Civil society groups have stepped forward to accuse the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of intimidation against Dangote Refinery drivers – www.naijnaira.com reports.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the coalition condemned what it described as “economic terrorism” targeted at workers in the petroleum sector.
The coalition, which includes the Civil Rights Defenders Advocates, Citizens for Economic Justice, Nigeria Freedom Network, and several other groups, said NUPENG is using coercive tactics that violate workers’ freedom of choice.
Convener of the coalition, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel, alleged that refinery drivers are being threatened with blockades if they refuse to join the union.
“This is not unionism; it is extortion dressed in the garb of workers’ rights,” Emmanuel stated, stressing that Nigeria’s Constitution protects the right to freely associate.
The groups accused NUPENG of preventing non-union drivers from loading fuel and even sealing trucks to control refinery operations.
They called on the Federal Government to investigate these activities and warned that legal action will follow if such practices continue.
According to Emmanuel, the refinery has become a symbol of energy stability for Nigeria, and no union should destabilize it.
The coalition also urged the Department of State Services to probe alleged sponsorship of these intimidation tactics, even linking them to reports of Navy involvement.
“Any individual or group found complicit must face prosecution for economic terrorism,” Emmanuel declared, insisting that Nigeria cannot be held hostage.
The statement ended with a call for both government and international labour bodies to act swiftly to protect the refinery’s workforce and ensure peace in the oil and gas industry.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
