Refusal to recognise unions in free zones: The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (Nupeng) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (Pengassan) reported that of the 123 companies in the free zones, only 5 had allowed the unions to organise workers and at all 5 companies, union leaders have been victimised and dismissed. In January 2013, Nupeng and Pengassan issued notice of a 3-day strike to start on 13 February if dismissed shop floor union leaders were not reinstated and union rights established in all companies in the free zone. The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, agreed together with the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) and the unions that companies would be given 90 days to comply with provisions in the law that require companies to allow for unions to be put in place.

Arrest of trade unionists: In March 2012, trade union leader Bayo Akende was arrested by the Oyo State Government over allegations of mobilising workers against the government. Police Commissioner Tambari Yabo Mohammed considered his trade union activities as a breach of public peace.

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