October 10, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed the enforcement of its 10-year ban on strikes and lockouts within Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
This is coming on the heels of the recent tensions between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery.
The clarification comes amid ongoing concerns over labour rights and industrial harmony at the refinery, after PENGASSAN accused the company of obstructing unionisation efforts and violating workers’ rights. The standoff prompted regulatory intervention to avert disruptions at Africa’s largest oil refining facility.
NEPZA’s reaffirmation draws from Section 4(8) of the Free Zone Regulations, 2004, which prohibits strikes and lockouts within free zones for a period of 10 years from the commencement of operations. The rule, first introduced to guarantee investor confidence and operational continuity, was designed to protect critical infrastructure and ensure production stability within strategic industrial corridors.
According to NEPZA, the policy remains a key part of the Federal Government’s strategy to create an enabling environment for investment and prevent avoidable disruptions that could affect trade and export performance. The authority stressed that disputes within Free Trade Zones should be resolved through dialogue and established mediation processes rather than industrial action.
The reaffirmation has, however, reignited public discourse on balancing labour rights with industrial protection.
Stakeholders argue that while the rule ensures operational stability, it also raises long-term questions about employee representation and fair engagement practices in the country’s rapidly expanding free zone ecosystem.
In reaffirming the regulation, NEPZA called for continued cooperation among all parties, noting that preserving harmony between investors and workers is essential to sustaining productivity and ensuring the country’s industrial growth trajectory remains steady.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
