Falana Backs NUPENG, Demands FG To Caution Dangote
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has warned that the Dangote Refinery’s alleged anti-union policy violates Nigerian law and international labour conventions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana condemned reports that the refinery was compelling newly recruited CNG tanker drivers to sign contracts barring them from joining recognised unions in the oil and gas sector.
He noted that the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG) has directed its members to begin an indefinite strike on September 9 in protest against the policy.
According to him, the move breaches Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 12 of the Trade Union Act, and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He added that it also contravenes Nigeria’s commitments under several international treaties, including the ILO Conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
“In view of the legal obligation imposed on the Federal Government by the Constitution, the Trade Union Act, and international law to respect workers’ rights to freedom of association, the Registrar of Trade Unions should call the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to order without delay,” he insisted.
Falana also urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to intervene, describing Dangote Group’s alleged monopolistic practices as violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018.
He warned that while powerful unions thrive in capitalist countries like the UK and the US, the Dangote Group “is determined to obliterate trade unions in Nigeria because it has been allowed to operate outside the ambit of the law.”
Falana reminded the public that Nigerian workers secured the right to unionise even under colonial rule, stressing his support for NUPENG’s strike against policies that erode workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, NUPENG has reiterated that its members will commence strike action on September 9, while the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has pledged to halt fuel lifting and dispensing for three days in solidarity.
Despite opposition from the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), NUPENG insists the strike will proceed.
The showdown now sets one of Nigeria’s most powerful industrial unions against its most powerful industrialist, with Falana declaring that the rule of law, not monopoly, must prevail.
