The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared Senator Adams Oshiomhole “persona non grata” following his criticism of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its nationwide strike in solidarity with 800 engineers sacked by Dangote Refinery.
In an October 3 interview with Arise TV, Oshiomhole called PENGASSAN’s industrial action “hasty and unfair” to other workers.
NUPENG responded sharply in a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, accusing the former labour leader of betraying core union principles.
“In conclusion, the leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian Oil and Gas Workers,” the union said.
The declaration means NUPENG will no longer participate in or endorse any labour-related event involving Oshiomhole. “The NLC, TUC and conscionable civil society organisations should kindly take notice,” the statement added.
NUPENG described Oshiomhole’s remarks as a “betrayal of labour principles” and a “distortion of established laws.”
“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression,” the union said.
Read also: Nigeria’s oil production slumps by 16.1% during PENGASSAN, Dangote rift – NNPC
It stressed that PENGASSAN’s sympathy strike is protected under Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act and aligned with the global union tenet: “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
“His attempts to rationalize the victimization of workers… are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and ILO Conventions,” NUPENG stated.
The union accused Oshiomhole of ignoring the mass dismissal while condemning PENGASSAN’s response, calling his stance “an act of profound historical revisionism and political amnesia.”
NUPENG affirmed its full support for PENGASSAN and the dismissed workers, vowing to use all legal and industrial tools to seek justice.
It also urged Oshiomhole to step back from labour commentary, saying he has “irretrievably lost the moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers.”
