Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has strongly criticised Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his recent comments on national TV, which they say undermine the rights of Nigerian workers and distort established labor laws.
The union’s position was made clear in a press release signed by the union’s president, Comrade Williams Akporeha and its General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, where they expressed their profound disappointment with Oshiomhole’s stance on labor issues.
The union made the declaration following Oshiomhole’s televised criticism of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN)’s strike in response to the alleged dismissal of over 800 engineers at the Dangote Refinery for unionising.
According to NUPENG, the former NLC president’s comments constitute a reprehensible assault on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers.
NUPENG accused Oshiomhole of betraying labor principles and advocating for corporate oppression, alleging that the lawmaker has transformed from a vocal advocate for workers’ rights to a champion of corporate interests.
The union further alleges that Oshiomhole misrepresents Nigerian labor laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
NUPENG asserted that Oshiomhole’s claims are not only nauseating but also represent a flagrant misrepresentation of the law.
“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed.
“His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and ILO standards,” the statement partly read.
NUPENG also declared Senator Oshiomhole “Persona Non Grata” within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers, stating that Oshiomhole’s denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers is a clear indication of his anti-worker stance.
NUPENG stands in solidarity with PENGASSAN and the over 800 unjustly dismissed workers, vowing to deploy all legal and industrial instruments to secure justice for the affected workers.
“In conclusion, the leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers.
“Henceforth, we will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole. The NLC, TUC, and civil society organisations should take notice,” the statement read.
To declare someone as a persona non grata means to officially reject or banish them from a political group, organisation, or community, effectively declaring them unwelcome or unacceptable.
The union cited specific laws that support workers’ rights, including Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and ILO Convention 87 (Freedom of Association) and Convention 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining).
The union also cited ILO conventions that affirmed workers’ rights to form and join unions of their choice without interference. NUPENG argued that Oshiomhole’s stance is a violation of these core international standards.
The union demanded that Senator Oshiomhole retract his statements and apologise to Nigerian workers and also advise him to retire from commenting on labor matters, citing his loss of moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers.
