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By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Recent tensions within Nigeria’s labour movement have intensified following a public endorsement of former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN). This support comes in response to sharp criticisms from the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), who have accused Oshiomhole of betraying workers amid the ongoing Dangote Refinery dispute.
Related: Dangote-PENGASSAN tensions escalate as NUPENG brands Oshiomhole a traitor to labour
In a formal communiqué signed by NUTGTWN President Peters Godonu and General Secretary Ali Baba, the union dismissed NUPENG’s allegations as unfounded and unwarranted. The statement underscored that Oshiomhole’s remarks on the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN conflict were motivated by a genuine commitment to national interest and the preservation of industrial peace.
“As a proud member of the NLC family, we express our strong disapproval of the recent unfounded attacks from NUPENG’s leadership against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a former General Secretary of our union and two-term NLC President, following his constructive intervention in the Dangote Refinery-PENGASSAN dispute,” the union stated.
The union highlighted Oshiomhole’s extensive credentials, noting his leadership of one of Africa’s most organized private sector unions, his tenure as NLC President, his role on the International Labour Organisation’s Governing Board, his governorship of Edo State, chairmanship of the ruling APC, and current position as a Nigerian Senator. These roles, they argued, empower him to speak authoritatively on matters affecting workers, industrial relations, and the economy at large.
“His involvement in the Dangote-PENGASSAN issue was driven by a desire to promote industrial harmony, boost national productivity, and protect workers’ rights through dialogue and mutual understanding,” the statement added.
The union condemned any form of personal attacks or disrespect directed at Oshiomhole, emphasizing his decades of dedicated service to Nigeria’s labour movement and workforce.
“Disputes within the labour community should never devolve into disrespect towards leaders who have devoted their lives to championing workers’ interests,” the statement stressed.
They urged NUPENG’s leadership and all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to exercise restraint, uphold the values of solidarity and internal dialogue fundamental to the labour movement, and seek resolution of industrial conflicts through established mechanisms rather than public confrontations with seasoned comrades.
“Maintaining unity and discipline within the labour movement is essential as we face growing economic challenges nationwide. Personal attacks only weaken our collective strength and distract from the critical issues confronting workers,” the union concluded.
“NUTGTWN stands firmly behind Adams Oshiomhole, reaffirming our profound respect for his principled leadership, courage, and steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s working class. In honor of his remarkable contributions, we are preparing to rename our national secretariat building in Kaduna after him,” the union announced.