The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has raised serious concern over the ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), describing it as self-help and an act of economic sabotage that could derail the nation’s fragile recovery.
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In a statement issued in Lagos, NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stressed that while disputes are a natural part of the labour ecosystem, Nigeria already has statutory frameworks such as the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) designed to handle such issues. He cautioned that actions which discourage investment, disrupt businesses, or harm workers ultimately undermine the very cause unions claim to defend.
“Trade unions have a legitimate right to strike, but that right must be exercised responsibly and within the law. It is unacceptable for any union to coerce those not interested in their action or disrupt the operations of businesses not involved in the dispute. Resorting to self-help and disregarding established labour institutions is against global best practice and damaging to our economy,” Oyerinde said.
He added that disruptive actions capable of threatening national survival are neither envisaged nor tolerated in global labour standards, noting that NECA would not sit idle while the country’s industrial relations system is undermined. “The right to strike cannot override the rights of others or endanger the survival of enterprises,” he stressed.
Citing international labour instruments, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to decent work, responsible business conduct, and fair labour practices. However, he clarified that international protections for union officials do not extend to sabotage, coercion, or actions that compromise legitimate businesses or national security.
The NECA DG called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to intervene decisively and uphold Nigeria’s industrial relations framework. He described it as ironic that Nigeria, despite sending one of the largest delegations to the International Labour Conference each year, still struggles with applying basic principles of industrial relations at home.
Oyerinde urged all parties to resolve the dispute through lawful and constructive channels, warning that continued disregard for due process could damage economic sustainability, threaten job creation, discourage investment, and stall national development.
