October 09, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) says its law enforces a 10-year ban on industrial strikes and lockouts in the Free Trade Zones.
The Managing Director of the Authority, Olufemi Ogunyemi, provided clarification in reaction to the frequent and excessive external union infiltrations that have destabilised the smooth operation of the Dangote Refinery.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had shut down critical oil and gas facilities last week over allegations that Dangote refinery had sacked 800 workers who joined the union.
However, the Dangote refinery held that it only sacked a few workers who were allegedly sabotaging the facility, claiming this was part of the company’s reorganisation.
NEPZA, in a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh, explained that the recent escalation of the trade dispute between the zone and PENGASSAN, particularly given the refinery’s status as a Free Trade Zone, was worrisome.
Ogunyemi said the law required PENGASSAN to direct its concerns through NEPZA, as the Authority operated a One-Stop-Shop administrative model to fast-track processes.
According to the Chief Executive of the agency, 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.”
The MD explained that Dangote Refinery is a declared Free Trade Zone that continues to benefit from tax incentives and customs duty waivers to support the economy, while under the agency’s regulations.
Ogunyemi further reiterated that trade disputes originating within a zone must be referred to the Zone Authority for resolution, adding, however, that this restriction applied exclusively within the Free Zones and did not extend to the broader Nigerian economy.
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