FG, through the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has banned the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from industrial actions that contravene Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regulations. The agency recently made the revelation via a press statement issued in Abuja, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Speaking via the statement, NEPZA Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, described the recent shutdown of critical oil and gas facilities by PENGASSAN as unlawful within the context of the Free Trade Zone framework.
According to him, strikes and lockouts are hereby prohibited within such zones for a period of ten years from the commencement of operations.
He stated that henceforth, the authority will step in to resolve any trade disagreement within a zone.
“Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA) Act provides that ‘there shall be no strikes or lock-outs for a period of ten years following the commencement of operations within a Zone, and the Authority shall resolve any trade dispute arising within a Zone,’” he said.
He further noted that even though the provision imposes a 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within free zones, workers still have the right to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.
Olufemi concluded by saying that he is happy the PENGASSAN vs Dangote conflict was de-escalated as soon as it started.
“We are pleased that the conflict has been de-escalated. Dangote Refinery is a declared FTZ that continues to benefit from tax incentives and customs duty waivers to support the economy, and NEPZA regulates it,” he added.
Recall that PENGASSAN declared a strike a week ago over Dangote Refinery’s mass sacking of Nigerian workers.
However, after 2 days of the action, the Federal government intervened, which led to the suspension of the strike after a truce was reached between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.
