As the Naval Special Forces overran the Oritsetimeyin oil drilling rig to evict workers, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, or NUPENG, has threatened a statewide strike.
A persistent labor disagreement has already resulted in the rig’s closure.
Workers were observed on the platform with some special naval force personnel who were reportedly transported into the rig by helicopter.
A few amateur photographers captured footage of some of the naval workers and men fighting.
The naval officers were told by some of the workers that they “cannot be slaves in our country and they are fighting for their rights.”
Vanguard was informed by one of NUPENG’s national officials that “we are already sensitizing and mobilizing our members for a nationwide strike” after the rig was shut down after the security officers invaded the platform. The government cannot assist employers in breaking freely entered labor agreements. We can’t stand this. It is preferable if the management is called to order earlier. If not, we will have to call a nationwide strike in order to protect our members’ interests.”
Recall that NUPENP petitioned the Federal Government on Wednesday regarding the evacuation of workers from oil rigs using military personnel and other security personnel.
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A copy of the petition was sent to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Department of State Security (DSS), and the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). NUPENG urged the NSA to step in and order the security personnel to stop an industrial crisis in the oil industry.
“It is really unfortunate and saddening that in a democratic setting like ours and at this age, employers and some state collaborators will be making attempts to use brute force to settle industrial relations issues.” NUPENG’s petition, signed by its President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, among others, claimed that the military and other armed security forces are being contracted to illegally and forcefully eject/evacuate workers, who are members of NUPENG, from the Oritsetimeyin Rig because the workers are demanding the implementation of an agreement duly reached and signed with them.
The operators of the Oritsetimeyin Rig, Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors, feel they are above Nigerian regulations and laws. This is an important point to remember.
