Falana backs NUPENG
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has thrown his weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its dispute with the Dangote Group over alleged anti-union practices.
Falana, in a statement, urged the Federal Government to intervene and protect the rights of workers in line with Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions. He condemned reported attempts to deny workers at the Dangote Refinery and other subsidiaries the right to freely associate and form unions.
The senior advocate stressed that freedom of association is a constitutional right and warned that suppressing union activities could lead to industrial unrest in the oil and gas sector. He advised the government to ensure that the company complies with labour standards to avoid setting a dangerous precedent for other employers.
NUPENG had recently raised concerns that oil and gas workers under the Dangote Group were being intimidated and prevented from joining recognized unions. The union insisted that it would resist any form of “slavery” in the sector and threatened strike action if the matter was not resolved.
Analysts say the standoff underscores the importance of balancing private sector investment with respect for workers’ rights. The outcome of the government’s intervention could shape future labour relations in Nigeria’s energy industry.
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