Economy

NUPENG Slams Oshiomhole over Anti-Worker Comments

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2025

NUPENG slams Oshiomhole over anti-worker comments, accusing the senator of betraying labour ideals in the ongoing Dangote Refinery dispute

NUPENG slams Oshiomhole for what it described as “a betrayal of the working class struggle” following his recent remarks criticising the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its ongoing dispute with Dangote Refinery.

Also read: House of Representatives Slams PENGASSAN over Strike

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), had abandoned the principles of trade unionism he once championed.

The statement, jointly signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, rebuked Oshiomhole’s comments on Arise TV, where he labelled the strike by PENGASSAN “hasty and unfair to other workers.”

According to Oshiomhole, protecting one group of workers should not endanger the livelihoods of others. However, NUPENG accused him of siding with corporate interests against employees unjustly dismissed.

“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression,” the union declared. “His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers are nauseating and distort Nigerian labour law and ILO standards.”

In the statement titled “Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s Undistinguished Anti-Worker Vitriol,” NUPENG accused the senator of “historical revisionism and political amnesia.”

It said his comments ignored the alleged sack of 800 engineers at the refinery while unfairly targeting PENGASSAN’s industrial action.

Citing Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14, LFN 2004, the union stressed that solidarity strikes are legally recognised forms of protest.

“PENGASSAN’s action is a protected legal action. The principle that ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ remains the bedrock of global trade unionism,” the statement added.

NUPENG further likened Oshiomhole to “the Judas Iscariot of Nigerian trade unionism,” accusing him of spreading a “dangerous toxin” meant to weaken workers’ unity.

The union said it was appalling that a man once respected in international labour circles would now undermine the very movement he led.

Concluding its fiery response, NUPENG declared Oshiomhole persona non grata within the oil and gas sector and vowed to boycott any labour event featuring the senator.

“The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers,” the statement said.

“Henceforth, we will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring him.”

Also read: Dangote Refinery Reorganises Workforce Over Sabotage

Reaffirming solidarity with PENGASSAN, the union pledged to pursue justice for the affected workers through all legal and industrial channels permitted under Nigerian law and international labour standards.

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Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

Also read: Wike Celebrates Fintiri at 59, Hails Him as Loyal Friend

The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.