The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a scathing rebuke of Senator Adams Oshiomhole following his recent comments on national television, accusing the former labour leader of undermining workers’ rights and misrepresenting core labour laws.
In a joint statement released in Abuja and signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union expressed outrage over Oshiomhole’s suggestion that unionisation should be temporarily suspended in certain sectors.
They described the proposal as “absurd, archaic, and legally baseless,” asserting that it contradicts both Nigerian law and international labour standards.
Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, NUPENG reaffirmed that workers have the right to freely associate and engage in peaceful industrial actions without interference.
The union particularly condemned Oshiomhole’s criticism of the ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which was launched in solidarity with over 800 engineers allegedly dismissed by Dangote Refinery for unionising. NUPENG emphasized that such solidarity actions are protected under the Trade Unions Act.
“It is deeply disappointing that someone who once led nationwide strikes as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is now advocating for corporate suppression of workers,” the statement read. “Oshiomhole’s remarks reflect historical revisionism and political amnesia.”
In a bold move, NUPENG declared the senator “persona non grata” within the oil and gas labour community, vowing to boycott any event where he is present.
The union also called on the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society organizations to take note of the declaration and stand firm in defense of workers’ rights.
NUPENG reiterated its unwavering support for PENGASSAN and pledged to continue deploying both legal and industrial mechanisms to ensure the reinstatement of the dismissed workers and uphold the integrity of union representation.
“Oshiomhole has forfeited the moral authority to speak on labour matters,” the union concluded, signaling a deep rift between the former labour icon and the current generation of union leaders.
