- Safiu Kehinde
A marathon meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers’ (NUPENG) strike against alleged Dangote Refinery’s anti- union practices has been stalled as the refinery representatives walked out of the meeting.
NUPENG had yesterday commenced strike action over Dangote’s alleged plan to monopolise the oil and gas industry by its purchase of tankers for distribution of its product by its own drivers who will not be affiliated with NUPENG.
In reaction, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, had convened the emergency meeting in a bid to end the planned industrial action on Monday in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to address allegations of anti-union practices against the Dangote Refinery, but discussions reportedly broke down as the Dangote representatives walked out of the meeting.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, who presided over the meeting, told newsmen that progress was slow.
“We have not been able to reach final agreement on this matter. Negotiations will continue.
“Maybe by tomorrow, we will resolve the issues. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace as discussions continue,” he said.
The minister, therefore assured all, that the government is still committed to finding common ground for all parties.
Speaking, Mr Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alleged that the Dangote’s delegation was deliberately sabotaging the process.
“The representative of the Dangote Refinery walked out on the Honourable Minister and Organised Labour. So, there was no agreement.
“Even, when we bent backwards to accommodate his uncompromising behaviour, he still did what he did.
“So, we are left with no choice than to do the needful. The action continues,” Upah said.
He added that the labour movement remained open to dialogue but could not negotiate alone.
“It takes more than one party to reach a resolution.
“Whenever the Dangote Refinery sees the need for genuine dialogue, we are ready, even this night, if they return,” he said.
On his part, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, accused Dangote Refinery of seeking to suppress workers’ rights, while expanding its monopoly in Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to him, NUPENG’s action on the matter is for the interest of Nigerians.
“We cannot stand an investor whose main purpose is to enslave Nigerians.
“Dangote cannot take us back to the dark days of slavery.” he added.
He further accused the refinery of denying employees the right to unionise.
“Nigerians have wished him well. He should not enslave them.
“He wants to monopolise the entire system and even the workers. This, we say, No to,” he said.