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No Ebola case in Nigeria, says NCDC …Issues Public Health Advisory

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, on Saturday said there is no case of an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

However, the centre has issued a public health advisory following confirmation of a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.

The DRC Ministry of Health announced that 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, have been recorded in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory tests in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.

In a statement on Saturday, the agency said that although no case has been detected in Nigeria, it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure early detection and preparedness.

The NCDC urged members of the public to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing with soap and running water, avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms of Ebola — including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding — refraining from bushmeat consumption, and ensuring animal products are properly cooked.

The NCDC said surveillance has been heightened, especially at borders and points of entry, while healthcare facilities across the country are being strengthened to improve infection prevention and control.

“Early recognition, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment reduce the risk of death,” the agency warned, urging Nigerians to maintain strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with persons showing symptoms of fever, diarrhoea or bleeding of unknown cause, and avoid direct contact with wildlife or raw bushmeat.

The NCDC also cautioned health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, adhere strictly to infection prevention measures, and report suspected cases immediately.

The Ebola Zaire strain responsible for the latest outbreak has an approved vaccine — Ervebo — and response teams supported by the World Health Organisation have been deployed to affected communities in DRC.

Travellers are advised to avoid all but essential trips to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those arriving Nigeria from such countries within the last 21 days who experience symptoms like fever, vomiting or unexplained bleeding have been urged to call the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for immediate assessment.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple outbreaks, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and anthrax.

The NCDC assured that it is monitoring regional and global developments closely and will provide periodic updates.

Petrol Tanker Drivers’ Strike: NLC Backs NUPENG

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed workers all over the country to prepare for a solidarity action in support of the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in its face-off with the Dangote Group.

The move comes as NUPENG announced the commencement of a nationwide strike beginning on Monday, over what it described as among others, Dangote’s “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”

A statement by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, called on the Federal Government to immediately call to order and impress on the duo of Aliko Dangote, and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to respect the laws of the nation and international law.

The statement noted that NLC, in full solidarity with NUPENG, “declares that we will not stand by while one conglomerate seeks to enslave the Nigerian working class and trample on the hard-won rights of unions.”

Part of the statement reads thus; “We have received and carefully studied the petition and alarm raised by our affiliate union, the NUPENG, on the anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies being pursued by Aliko Dangote and his associates.

“It must be realized that this is not the first complaint we are receiving against Dangote group. We have received several from other unions with jurisdictions over the companies owned by the group. All of them verge on the same acts of impunity and unfair labour practices.

“We state without equivocation that the revelations contained in NUPENG’s statement represent not just an attack on petroleum workers, but a full-blown declaration of war against the Nigerian working class, trade unionism, and the principle of Decent Work.

“It exposes what has long been the questionable hallmark of the Dangote Group; a consistent record of union-busting, exploitative labour practices, and monopolistic capture of markets to the detriment of both workers and the Nigerian people. We have it on good authority that Dangote Refinery pays one of the lowest wages in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria today and treats its staff members beneath acceptable standards.

“Dangote group’s business model clearly enslaves and is not in any way developmental. The Nigerian people were promised that the Dangote Refinery and associated operations would create jobs, deepen industrialization, and promote national self-sufficiency.

“Instead, what we are witnessing is the classic playbook of primitive capitalism as the group resorts to monopolistic Capture. It is using state backing to eliminate competition and dominate entire sectors (cement, sugar, flour, and now petroleum products). It is boasting already of its rooting in the power structure and preparedness to continue using it against the unions.“Dangote group continues in its Union busting strategy has systematically denied workers their constitutional right to freedom of association by preventing them from joining trade unions of their choice, forcing them into ‘company unions’ designed to weaken collective power. “We have had cause in African trade union circles to defend Dangote from complaints by workers of other African nations out of patriotic fervour, but we have reached the point where remedial actions have become necessary.

“The group revels in precarious work. Dangote companies thrive on casualization, poor wages, and unsafe working conditions; all in direct violation of the ILO’s Decent Work agenda to which Nigeria is a signatory and in contradiction to the promise which Dangote holds on Paper. The group believes that Nigerian workers are helpless because there is nothing the government can do against his various violations.

“Dangote believes in employing foreign nationals to the detriment of Nigerian workers. We remember the case of the Asian Welders and Fitters that were recruited from India and others while capable Nigerian welders and Fitters languished in the unemployment queue. Unfortunately, these thousands of workers were not treated fairly, and some of them came to us for remediation. This is definitely not how to be patriotic by a group that received all manners of waivers and concessions from the nation’s coffers.

“Instead of lowering costs for Nigerians, the Dangote monopoly exploits scarcity and control of distribution to raise prices, thereby deepening poverty and hardship. This is not industrialization; it is economic sabotage. It is not nation-building; it is class robbery, where the working masses subsidize the obscene wealth of rich families through exploitation and manipulation in cahoots with cronies in government.

“By seeking to recruit drivers under the condition that they must not belong to NUPENG or any union in the Oil and Gas industry, Dangote and his associates are directly violating Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and ILO Conventions 98 and 87 on Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise and Collectively Bargain (ratified by Nigeria in 1960).

“If this is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent where powerful capital can openly defy the laws of Nigeria, enslave workers, and destroy the very foundation of collective bargaining. This is a dangerous road to fascism in industrial relations, where workers are treated as slaves without voice or dignity.

“The NLC, in full solidarity with NUPENG, declares that we will not stand by while one conglomerate seeks to enslave the Nigerian working class and trample on the hard-won rights of unions. The scale of workers’ rights violations is growing alarmingly, and we are poised to ensure that it is contained if nothing is done by the government to sanction the Group and make it act more responsibly.

“We hereby unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.Call on the Federal Government to immediately call Aliko Dangote and Sayyu Dantata to order. Their operations must comply with all Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.

“We call on Dangote group to cease all anti-union, anti-workers practices. We demand the immediate unionization of not just Dangote Refinery but all the other entities within the group.

“We place entire Nigerian workers, State Councils and industrial unions in Nigeria on red alert and mobilize for a united front of resistance against the Dangote Group’s anti-worker agenda and support the proposed industrial action by NUPENG.

“We demand that the Federal Government and its regulatory institutions; especially the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Authority; that history will hold them complicit if they continue to look the other way while few individuals privatize the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce.

“We call on the Nigerian people to see through the deception: this is not philanthropy, it is plunder; it is not development, it is dispossession and enslavement.

“The attack on NUPENG is an attack on us all. The NLC without equivocation states that Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences. Our Constitution and international conventions guarantee our right to organize, collectively bargain, and defend our dignity at work. The NLC will resist every attempt by the Dangote Group to roll back these rights.

“We warn that if Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, the NLC and its affiliates will move beyond words to action. We will confront this tyranny head-on until victory is secured for Nigerian workers and the Nigerian people.

“Let it be clearly understood, if the Dangote Group does not immediately halt its anti-union and anti-people agenda, the we will not hesitate to mobilize all workers across the length and breadth of this country for actions and solidarity necessary to protect our dignity and to defend Nigeria from the clutches of monopoly capital.

“Our solidarity is not negotiable. We will fight because we must. The working class must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed.”

2026 World Cup: In spite victory against Rwanda, Nigeria’s hopes hang in the balance

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In spite the victory of the Super Eagles of Nigeria over visiting Rwandan senior national team on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026World Cup in North America still hangs in the balance.

The Nigerian team must now muster enough fire power to defeat Group C table toppers South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday to have a chance to make it to the tournament next year.

South Africa comfortably despatched Lesotho in their fixture last Friday and will do everything to frustrate Nigeria on Tuesday. For the Nigerian team, the clash on Tuesday is a must win.

But for South Africa, anything, but a defeat will put them comfortably in the driver’s seat, despite having points deduction appeal against them by Lesotho.

The match in Uyo.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria edged past Rwanda with a narrow 1-0 victory in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute, sealing three vital points for Nigeria in Group C of the African qualifiers.

The win comes barely 24 hours after group leaders South Africa extended their advantage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho, taking their tally to 16 points.

Following the defeat, Rwanda remain fourth in the group with eight points, while Nigeria have now climbed to 10 points from seven matches.

The Super Eagles will next face South Africa in a potentially decisive fixture at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, before rounding off their campaign against Lesotho and Benin in October

NEMA Confirms 231 deaths, 607 injuries in 2025 floods …114 missing

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 231 persons died, and 607 were injured by floods this year. The agency also confirmed that 315,762 persons were displaced by the floods across Nigeria.

The agency also added that 114 persons are missing as a result of the flood, which has affected 86 Local Government Areas in 25 states.

The information obtained from the updated 2025 flood dashboard of the agency, also indicated that 113,367 persons were also displaced with 40,493 houses and 46,304 farmlands were affected.

According to the dashboard the states mostly impacted by the flood are: Lagos 52,013, Adamawa 51,713, Akwa Ibom 46,233, Imo 29,242, Taraba 26,722, Rivers 22,345, Delta 14,057, Abia 11,907, Borno 8,164 and Kaduna 7,334.

According to the data from the agency, children are the most affected.
The data reads: “143,683 children, 100,079 women, 60,408 men, 11,592 elderly, and 2,265 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year’s flood.

“Some States affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.

The key challenges identified in the aftermath of the flood incidence are resource shortage, inaccessibility, community resistance, and security risk.

“Resource shortage accounts for 69 per cent of the challenges,16 per cent inaccessibility, 7 per cent community resistance and 6 per cent security risk.”

The priority needs of the affected persons according to NEMA include; food, shelter, WASH, health, livelihood, nutrition, education, protection and security.

US Open: How Carlos Alcaraz can make tennis history in the final

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The current list involves iconic figures Ken Rosewall, Ilie Nastase, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

Carlos Alcaraz has reached yet another Grand Slam final after breezing past Novak Djokovic at the US Open.

Alcaraz adopted a physical approach against Djokovic, helping him win their US Open semifinal 6-4, 7-6(7-4), 6-2.

Arthur Ashe Stadium played host to the two-hour, 25-minute clash, in which Alcaraz exacted revenge over the Serbian.

Djokovic entered their latest match with a 5-3 head-to-head lead over the Spaniard, having beaten him at this year’s Australian Open.

He also won their Olympic gold medal match last year, but it was the younger of the ATP duo who emerged victorious this time around.

While Djokovic has again fallen short of a record 25th Grand Slam title, Alcaraz is now into his seventh Grand Slam final.

But he has a chance to make tennis history on this occasion, with Alcaraz aiming to become the first man in the Open Era to win the US Open without dropping a set.

Five men boast such wins at Grand Slams, but the Spaniard would be the first to do it at the New York tournament.

Alcaraz now turns his focus to another final with ATP number one Jannik Sinner, who in contrast has dropped two sets at this year’s hard-court tournament.

Alcaraz has enjoyed a phenomenal run at the US Open so far, despite being handed a relatively tricky draw on paper.

That included seeded players such as Luciano Darderi and Jiri Lehecka, along with four-time US Open champion Djokovic.

But remarkably, the 22-year-old has lost only 58 games from his 18 sets played, for an average of just more than three games per set.

Alcaraz has also only needed two tie-breaks in what has been another formidable run from the 2022 champion.

Flesh Eating, Bone Destroying Disease Hits Nigeria

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No fewer than 28 people have been infected by a rare disease, which eats up flesh and destroys bones in human, in Adamawa State, Nigeria.

According to reports, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, confirmed the outbreak on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Bashir said specimens from affected patients had been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, in Abuja for histology and further analysis, with results expected within 10 days.

He disclosed that while 28 cases had been identified, only eight victims accepted medical treatment at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, MAUTH, Yola, despite the state government covering the costs.

The medical expert urged residents to seek proper treatment instead of relying on traditional medicine and to report any strange health conditions in their communities promptly.

According to the report, the outbreak is most pronounced in Malabu, a community in Fufore Local Government Area, where residents say the disease begins like a boil, bursts, and gradually eats into flesh, damaging bones.

One of the victims, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, described how the disease started as a boil before bursting and leaving her with an open wound that destroyed her leg bones.

Another patient, Junaidu Adamu, said he had spent over N200,000 on treatment in the last two months without recovery.

The District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, said at least 30 persons had been affected, with some receiving care at MAUTH while others remained in local facilities or at home.

The outbreak has raised fresh concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for emerging diseases and the gap between modern healthcare and traditional practices in rural areas.

Grand Reception Awaits Rotary International President-Elect’s Arrival To Port Harcourt On Sunday

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The President-Elect of Rotary International.
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola is expected to touch down in Port Harcourt on Sunday, September 7, 2025 to a grand reception by members of the Rotary family in Rivers State and beyond.

He will be received on arrival at the Protocol Lounge, Port Harcourt International Airport and thereafter the Rotary Centre, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Friday in Port Harcourt by Ibim Semenitari, Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Africa Zone 22, Region 2, the reception will feature distinguished Rotary leaders, members, and friends of Rotary, celebrating this landmark achievement and the new era it heralds for Rotary in Africa.

The Reception for Rotary International President-Elect, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola on his arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport by the leadership of Rotary International District 9141,
serves as a historic event that marks a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, as they welcome one of their own to the highest leadership of Rotary International, the world’s foremost service organization.

Rotarian Babalola was last month announced as the new President for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.

His emergence marked a historic milestone, making him only the second African – and the second Nigerian – to lead the global humanitarian organisation. The first was Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe, who served from 2003 to 2004.

Babalola’s election is being celebrated across Nigeria and Africa as another proud moment of continental leadership on the global stage.

A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola was selected by the Rotary International Board of Directors following the resignation of SangKoo Yun, who stepped down to focus on recovery after cancer treatment. Babalola will formally assume office on 1 July 2026.

2026 World Cup Qualifier: S/Africa, Benin Extend Lead In Group C …Chadian officials for Nigeria/Rwanda clash in Uyo

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South Africa brushed aside Lesotho 3-0 in a Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday evening.

Bafana Bafana have retained a five-point lead at the top of the standings (Benin are now the nearest chasers, after they defeated Zimbabwe in a concurrent match) and are now heavy favourites to finish in pole position and secure direct qualification.

South Africa suffered an early injury blow, with Nyiko Mobbie picking up a knock to the head which saw him replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa in the sixth minute.

Just past the quarter hour mark, Bafana Bafana surged into the lead, with Mohau Nkota providing a classy finish to Aubrey Modiba’s lofted cross for his first senior national team goal.

Nkota’s goal was a rare flash of composure in a first 45 minutes that was characterised more by broken passages of play, as both teams struggled to find fluency amid a series of niggling fouls.

Nonetheless, South Africa were worthy of taking a one-goal advantage into the half-time interval.

The ‘visitors’ had another injury-enforced change in defence early in the second stanza, with Thabo Moloisane also suffering a blow to the head. Khulumani Ndamane was introduced off the bench.

Bafana took a stranglehold on the game in the 63rd minute, as a sustained spell of pressure culminated in Aubrey Modiba’s shot being spilled by Moerane, and Lyle Foster was on hand to tuck home the loose ball at close range for 2-0.

Foster then went from scorer to provider, teeing up Oswin Appollis in the 67th minute, and the winger tucked home a low shot to make it 3-0 and effectively end the game as a contest.

South Africa were then able to go into game management mode and cruise through the remainder of the encounter.

The teams will return to Group C action next Tuesday, 9 September, with South Africa hosting Nigeria in Bloemfontein, while Lesotho will face Benin in Abidjan.

For Saturday’s Matchday 7 game between Nigeria and Rwanda in Uyo, FIFA has appointed Allaou Mahamat from Chad as referee.

He will be assisted by compatriots Bogollah Issa (assistant referee 1), Moussa Hafiz (assistant referee 2), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (fourth official). Taher Abdelsalam Mahmoud of Egypt will act as referee assessor, with Bakary Jammeh of Gambia serving as commissioner.

 

INEC: 171 Associations Seek Approval As Political Parties …releases update on Anambra gubernatorial election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has revealed that 171 associations applied to it for registration as political parties. This, the body said, was as at September 3rd, 2025.

In a statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the Commission is finalising the shortlist of pre-qualified associations for the next stage of the registration process, with recommendations already prepared for consideration.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) attributed the delay in concluding the verification and prequalification of associations seeking registration as political parties to constant changes in logos, acronyms, interim leadership, and defections of their leaders.

Olumekun appealed to the groups to exercise patience and avoid practices that slow down the process.

“We urge associations to desist from frequent changes to their logos, acronyms, and addresses, or from submitting multiple requests. Worse still, some associations have altered their interim leadership following defections to other associations or existing political parties, thereby delaying the process,” he said.

Reassuring applicants, INEC promised that all submissions would be treated fairly, while urging consistency from the associations to enable a smooth process.

“As always, the Commission will continue to keep Nigerians informed on all its activities,” the statement added.

Giving an update on the Anambra governorship elections, the Commission said about 2,802,790 eligible voters will decide the fate of the next governor of Anambra State during the November governorship election in the state.

It said 27,817 of those who took part in the voter registration exercise in Anambra state ahead of the election were found to be double or multiple registrations and removed from the list.

The statement reads: “The Commission met today, Thursday, 4th September 2025. Among other issues, the meeting deliberated on the final register of voters for the Anambra State Governorship Election and the status of letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“In continuation of preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, the Commission carried out voter registration in the 326 Wards across the State from 8th to 20th July 2025. During that period, 168,187 citizens registered as new voters.

“At the end of the registration exercise, the Commission earmarked a period of one week (8th to 20th July 2025) to display the list of new registrants in all the Wards for claims and objections by citizens in the spirit of Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“Furthermore, the Commission scrutinised the list using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to detect invalid registrations. At the end of the process, 27,817 records were found to be double or multiple registrations and removed from the list.

“Consequently, the figure for new registrants now stands at 140,370, while valid applications for transfer into the State are 5,983, making a total of 146,353 new voters.

“Prior to the recent voter registration, Anambra State had 2,656,437 registered voters. With the new registrants, the voter roll for the State now stands at 2,802,790.

“The distribution of the new figures by Local Government Area shows that Idemili North with 246,318 (8.79%) has the highest number of voters, followed by Awka South with 216,611 (7.73%) and Ogbaru with 188,016 (6.71%).

“On the other hand, Dunokofia and Anambra West have 83,580 (2.98%) and 71,332 (2.55%) registered voters, respectively. The distribution of new voters by Local Government Area is uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information.

“We wish to assure new voters in Anambra State, as well as those who applied for transfer or replacement of their lost or damaged Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), that their cards will be ready for collection well ahead of the Governorship Election holding in the next 63 days on Saturday, 8th November 2025.”

Fuel Scarcity Looms, As Tanker Drivers Threaten Strike

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Nigerians may witness the return of long queues at petrol stations soon if threats by operators who lift petroleum products from depots are not addressed.

This is because Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the NigeriaUion of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) will from Monday, September 8, 2025 withdraw their services, if disagreements over the planned deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)- powered trucks for nationwide product distribution remains unresolved.

In a statement on Friday, jointly signed by Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary, NUPENG accused the management of Dangote Refinery of alleged anti-labour practices, inimical to the survival and means of livelihoods of its members under its Petroleum and Tanker Drivers Branch.

The Union specifically expressed strong reservations about the position of Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote that drivers recruited for operations of its 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Trucks imported into the country would not be allowed to join any trade union.

The union described the position taken by the management of Dangote Refinery as an affront on the right of association, guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and a breach of relevant international labour laws to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The statement reads partly: “We call on the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Authority, the Authority, for short, to invoke its powers under Section 32(u) & (aa) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Under those two provisions, the Authority is empowered to promote competition and private sector participation in the midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

“The Authority has responsibility to identify, investigate and prevent abuse of dominant positions and restrictive business practices with regard to midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

“Nigeria is a member of the international community and a State member in the International Labour Organisation. Nigeria has ratified Convention No. 87 of 1948, the Convention on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948.

“This Convention had been ratified by Nigeria, as far back as 17th October 1960. Under the Convention, workers have the right to join unions of their choice, for the protection of their employment and trade union rights, and without prior authorization of any employer or authority.

“Indeed, by virtue of section 254C (2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, a ratified ILO Convention is a constitutional provision.

The union said it is concerned that the new system could displace thousands of its members from their current roles in the oil and gas transport sector.

The union described such a policy as inconsistent with labour rights and called on relevant government agencies to intervene.

“By this statement, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, its regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to urgently wade into this matter,” the statement read.

NUPENG further warned that if the issue is not addressed, the planned strike action would affect the lifting and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

The union appealed to Nigerians to understand and bear with any inconveniences that may arise during the industrial action, insisting its action is aimed at protecting the welfare and rights of its members.