THE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), persona non grata within the Nigerian oil and gas industry over comments he made condemning a recent strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Olawale Afolabi sent to News Point Nigeria, the union accused Oshiomhole of “rationalising the victimisation of workers” and betraying the core principles of trade unionism which he once championed.
Oshiomhole, who currently represents Edo North Senatorial District, had on Friday criticised PENGASSAN’s industrial action against Dangote Refinery, describing it as “ill-considered” and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
During an interview on Arise Television, the former NLC president argued that the newly established private refinery should be allowed time to stabilise before facing labour confrontation.
“In pursuing war, you have to recognise that the tools you deploy must not hurt innocent people, like the tomato sellers who cannot get fuel to move their goods because there is a quarrel between one refinery and one union,” Oshiomhole said.
“An employer has to exist, mature and be strong enough to guarantee good-paying jobs. If you cripple a business before it even finds its feet, you are also destroying the jobs you claim to protect.”
His comments drew widespread condemnation across labour circles, with NUPENG accusing him of siding with employers against workers, contrary to the ideals he once embodied as a labour icon.
In its response, NUPENG described Oshiomhole’s remarks as “a monumental betrayal of the cause of the working class,” likening him to Judas Iscariot.
“The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for the undistinguished denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers as punishment for exercising the fundamental right of unionism,” the statement read.
NUPENG said the practical implication of its declaration is that Oshiomhole would no longer be recognised, invited, or allowed to participate in any of its activities, conferences, or industrial engagements.
“Henceforth, we will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole,” it stated.
The union further called on the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society groups to take note of what it termed Oshiomhole’s “insensitivity to the plight of 800 unjustly dismissed workers.”
Reaffirming solidarity with PENGASSAN, NUPENG vowed to continue deploying “every legal and industrial instrument available” to fight for the reinstatement of the affected workers in accordance with national laws and international labour standards.
“NUPENG stands unwaveringly with PENGASSAN and the over 800 unjustly dismissed workers,” the statement added.
“Oshiomhole’s denunciation and insensitivity to their plight is a dangerous toxin designed to weaken the resolve of the working class and strengthen the class enemy.”
The controversy stems from the recent industrial face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company, during which the senior staff union alleged the wrongful dismissal of over 800 engineers for participating in union activities.
The strike, which disrupted fuel supply logistics and drew national attention, was suspended last Wednesday after the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Employment, pending further negotiations.
While PENGASSAN insisted that the refinery management must reinstate the affected workers and recognise union rights, Oshiomhole maintained that such early confrontations could undermine investor confidence and job creation.