Coalition Backs Dangote Refinery, Calls for Protection of Workers’ Rights

A coalition of civil society organisations has expressed support for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and called for the protection of workers’ rights in the ongoing dispute with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). At a press conference in Abuja, the coalition, which includes the Civil Rights Defenders Advocates, Citizens for Economic Justice, […]

A coalition of civil society organisations has expressed support for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and called for the protection of workers’ rights in the ongoing dispute with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

At a press conference in Abuja, the coalition, which includes the Civil Rights Defenders Advocates, Citizens for Economic Justice, Nigeria Freedom Network, and eight other groups, said workers must be allowed to freely decide whether or not to join a union without external pressure.

Convener of the coalition, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel, cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association, including the choice to belong or not belong to a trade union.

The group urged all parties to respect due process and the provisions of the Trade Unions Act and the Trade Disputes Act in resolving labour matters.

The coalition also commended the refinery for what it described as efforts to provide a safe working environment, while calling on government agencies to ensure industrial harmony and protect the rights of all categories of workers.

Dr. Emmanuel said the coalition was prepared to seek legal redress if any party compels workers into union membership against their will.

The coalition concluded by appealing to the Federal Government, civil society organisations, and international labour bodies to support initiatives that promote fairness, dialogue, and peace in the labour sector.