TUC Declares Support for NLC, NUPENG Over Violation of Workers’ Rights
THE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared its full support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in their ongoing struggle against the violation of workers’ rights by employers.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, in a statement released in Abuja, condemned what he described as persistent anti-labour practices, intimidation, and humiliation of workers—particularly within the Dangote Group.
He revealed that the TUC has also received disturbing reports from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) about harassment and denial of workers’ rights.
According to Osifo, similar violations have been reported by other affiliate unions, including the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) and the Textile, Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN).
“These reports reveal a troubling pattern of employers denying workers the right to unionise, harassing staff, and assaulting their dignity,” Osifo said.
He stressed that the labour movement would not remain silent while employers—no matter how powerful—trample on workers’ rights.
“We put it on record that the labour movement will not fold its arms while Dangote and his companies treat Nigerian workers as slaves in their own country,” he stated.
Osifo urged the Federal Government to immediately address the complaints raised by PENGASSAN and NUPENG, halt the harassment of their members, and recognise the right of workers to unionise across all affected unions.
Failure to do so, he warned, could trigger a total withdrawal of services nationwide.
“If the government fails to act, the TUC and all its affiliates will mobilise for full solidarity action across the federation. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our sister labour centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress, in this fight to defend workers everywhere,” he declared.
The TUC emphasised that the ultimatum should not be mistaken for an appeal but a final warning.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. Touch PENGASSAN, CANMPSSAN, TGTSSAN, and NUPENG — you touch the entire labour movement,” it added.
