The Federal Government has intervened in the ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and operators of the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, preventing a planned nationwide strike by the union.

Sources revealed that the federal government has called for a meeting with both parties in Abuja on Tuesday, November 12, to address the ongoing issues and prevent further unrest in the oil sector.

It will be recalled that military personnel had stormed the oil rig last Thursday to evacuate oil workers, most of whom were NUPENG members, while others were reportedly held hostage. This action led NUPENG to mobilize for a nationwide strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the invasion and the use of military personnel to handle an industrial relations issue. The NLC expressed its support for the planned strike by NUPENG. Similarly, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) also denounced the invasion and called for an investigation into those who authorized the military?s involvement.

During its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the NLC demanded the immediate withdrawal of all military forces occupying the oil rig and the restoration of the workers who had been forcefully ejected. In a communiqu? signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the union also called for swift compliance with the previously negotiated and signed agreements.

The communiqu? stated, ?NEC-in-Session demands the immediate withdrawal of all forces of invasion now occupying the oil rig, a cessation of further militarization of the nation?s workplaces, and the restoration of the workers who were forcefully ejected from the site. We also demand quick compliance with the agreement that was faithfully negotiated and signed by the parties.?

The NLC further condemned the use of military force at the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, describing it as an abuse of state security powers that goes against the principle of maintaining workplaces free from coercion. It warned that such militarization could destabilize the nation?s already troubled economy.

NUPENG had previously alleged that workers were unlawfully evicted for demanding the implementation of agreements regarding severance benefits, agreements that were reached through mediation by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). NUPENG expressed alarm that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors chose to ignore these legally binding agreements, opting instead for intimidation and coercion through military intervention.

The NLC called for urgent intervention by the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. It emphasized that this was an industrial relations issue and did not warrant the involvement of military personnel, whose role should be to protect the nation, not enforce corporate agendas.

The NLC reiterated its unwavering support for NUPENG and warned of escalating actions should these unacceptable practices continue. It emphasized that the protection of workers? rights and their safety was the union?s top priority. Additionally, the NLC reminded the military of its primary mandate to defend the country?s sovereignty and people, not to suppress workers? legitimate demands.

While acknowledging the vital role of the Nigerian Military and security agencies in protecting the nation, the NLC stressed that workplace disputes should be handled within the framework of established industrial relations processes, as outlined by national statutes. (Vanguard)