The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed that the 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within all Free Trade Zones (FTZs) — including the Dangote Refinery — remains legally binding.

NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, issued the clarification in Abuja through a statement by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh, amid recent labour tensions involving PENGASSAN and the refinery.

Ogunyemi said the reminder became necessary due to increasing external union interference disrupting operations within the Free Zones. He cited Section 18(5) of the NEPZA Act, which clearly stipulates that industrial actions or lockouts are prohibited for the first ten years of operation in any Free Zone, and that all disputes must be resolved internally through NEPZA.

He explained that while employees still have the right to form or join unions and engage in collective bargaining, any dispute should first be reported to NEPZA, which operates a “One-Stop-Shop” dispute resolution system to ensure timely and efficient settlements.

According to Ogunyemi, the Free Zones are guided by specific laws, and where conflicts arise between the Trade Unions Act (TUA) or Trade Disputes Act (TDA) and the NEPZA Act, the latter takes precedence.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention in resolving the recent Dangote Refinery dispute, saying his leadership helped preserve peace and protect a key national economic asset.

Ogunyemi further assured that NEPZA remains committed to fostering industrial harmony and sustainable development across all Free Trade Zones, emphasizing that stable labour relations are critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic resilience.