The Nigerian government has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of impeding the sale of key refineries to billionaire Aliko Dangote in 2007.
This accusation was made by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy.
Onanuga’s comments come amidst criticism from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, which has condemned the Nigerian government for alleged human rights abuses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Onanuga linked the current poor state of Nigeria’s refineries to the actions of the NLC.
He claimed that the labour unions’ opposition to the sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Dangote and businessman Femi Otedola during the administration of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo has contributed to their ongoing decline.
“Seventeen years after the NLC and TUC strongly opposed the sale of these refineries, none of them are functioning,” Onanuga said.
“Despite investing approximately $25 billion in maintenance, the refineries remain inoperative.”
Onanuga noted that Dangote, one of the major opponents of the refinery sale, has since constructed the largest single-train refinery in the world.
He expressed frustration at the irony that the same labour movement that opposed Dangote’s acquisition in 2007 now celebrates his accomplishments with his new refinery in Lagos.
The NLC’s opposition was based on concerns over job losses and the impact on workers’ rights.
However, Onanuga accused the unions of prioritizing narrow interests over the broader economic development of the country.
He claimed that this resistance has stunted economic growth and hurt the welfare of workers.
The current controversy has been further fueled by the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, who was detained and prevented from attending a meeting organized by the TUC in London.
Onanuga criticized the TUC for using Ajaero’s arrest to accuse the Nigerian government of human rights violations.
“The Trade Union Congress in the UK opened its conference with false claims about human rights abuses in Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
“The allegations are unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation. Our government is committed to protecting civil liberties and upholding the law.”
Onanuga defended the Nigerian government’s actions, arguing that Ajaero’s arrest was related to ongoing investigations and not his role as the NLC President.
He compared the situation to similar instances in other democratic countries, where public figures have faced legal scrutiny.
“In the United States, former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, have both faced legal investigations,” Onanuga noted.
“These are lawful processes, and just like in the UK, no one is above the law in Nigeria.”
The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of various economic and human rights issues.
Onanuga’s statements come as part of a broader effort by the administration to address both domestic and international concerns.
