NEPZA reaffirms ban on strikes, lockouts in Free Trade Zones, says any dispute must first be referred to it for resolution as required by law
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A law lasting 10 years that bans strikes and lockouts in Free Trade Zones (FTZs) – one of which hosts the $20 billion Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos – is still in effect, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reminded unions.
NEPZA Managing Director Olufemi Ogunyemi made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja by the authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh.
Ogunyemi said the reminder was prompted by frequent external union interferences, particularly by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), that have disrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery.
He cited Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act which states that:
“There shall be no strikes or lockouts 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.”
Ogunyemi also:
- Explained that workers in Free Trade Zones have the right to join or form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining but any dispute must first be referred to NEPZA for resolution as required by law.
- Said the recent dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery should have been routed through NEPZA administrative framework, which operates a “One-Stop-Shop” system designed to ensure swift and efficient resolution of issues.
- Emphasised that Free Trade Zones are governed by specific legal provisions, and external labour laws only apply to the extent that they are consistent with the NEPZA Act.
- Said: “In cases of conflict between the Trade Unions Act (TUA) or Trade Disputes Act (TDA) and Section 18(5), the provisions of Section 18(5) take precedence as the more specific regulation governing Free Zones.”
- Expressed appreciation for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, which he said helped to de-escalate tensions and safeguard a vital national economic asset.
- Reaffirmed NEPZA’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony in all Free Trade Zones, stressing that constructive labour relations is an essential ingredient for Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic stability.
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