Barely 48 hours after calling off its nationwide strike, tensions are rising again between NUPENG and a major Nigerian refinery because management allegedly broke a government-brokered truce.
According to union leaders, management has already ignored commitments made during a high-profile meeting mediated by the State Security Service, which included Finance Minister Wale Edun and Nigeria Labour Congress officials.
The accord had recognised workers’ right to unionise, set a strict two-week window for implementation, and prohibited the formation of rival unions.
Union Rules Defied
However, by September 10, management ordered drivers affiliated with NUPENG to remove union stickers from their vehicles.
When union officials blocked trucks that violated loading rules, the situation escalated dramatically.
Management even flew over the trucks in a helicopter and summoned the Navy, according to the union.
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Red Alert Declared
Consequently, NUPENG condemned these actions as an “arrogant disregard” for due process and warned that no individual stands above the law.
The union urged the federal government to step in immediately to prevent further conflict.
Furthermore, NUPENG placed its members nationwide on red alert, signalling that the suspended strike could resume at any moment.
Simultaneously, the union called on other unions and civil society groups to show solidarity, emphasising that collective strength remains their most powerful weapon.
