JUST IN! FG Approves NAPO as Trade Union

The Federal Government has approved the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO) as a trade union 12 years after it applied for registration.

The approval was conveyed to NAPO Secretariat via a letter dated 27 August, 2025 with reference number: FML&E/TUSIR/ML.1B/215/1/1 with the caption: “REGISTRATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLANTS OPERATORS”.  

The letter, which was addressed to the General Secretary of NAPO, was signed on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Employment by the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations in his office, Amos Falonipe.  

“I am directed to refer to your application letter dated 7th September 2013, written pursuant to Section 5 of the Trade Unions Act, CAP.T14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004. addressed to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment for the Registration of the organisation named above as a trade union and the settlement proposal dated 8 June 2025.” 

“I am further directed to inform you that after extensive consideration of your application, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment has approved the registration of your organisation as a Trade Union with rights and privileges as stipulated by the Trade Unions Act. cited above.”

“Congratulations and accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”

Reacting to the development in an interview with Kristina Reports on Sunday, September 7, 2025 in Bonny, Rivers State, President General of NAPO, Harold Benstowe explained that the approval was part of the proposal for the out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government in a suit filed by NAPO at the National Industrial Court, Abuja.  

He praised the Federal Government, especially, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, for the approval, noting that it underscores the posture of the current administration to the rights and privileges of workers in Nigeria.   

Speaking further, Benstowe asserted that NAPO can now operate like any other labour union in Nigeria by providing protection for the rights and privileges of workers under its fold.

“Yes. For over 12 years, NAPO made an application to be registered as a trade union in Nigeria. But glory be to God, on the 27th of August 2025, NAPO was given that ministerial approval.”

“So, as at today, the National Association of Plant Operators is an approved labour union in Nigeria, like any other labour union such as NUPENG, PENGASSAN, NLC, TUC, and what have you.”  

He extolled the tenacity of NAPO members, especially, those working on the Train 7 project of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in Bonny, Rivers State, pointing out that the enormous contributions they have made so far to the struggle is yielding results.

“In fact, I give it to them without which this will not be possible. They have made enormous contributions, not just only financially. They have been there because they needed this labour union that they consider will be workers friendly.”

“So, we want to thank them and encourage them that they should be resolute, calm and law-abiding, because their suffering will soon yield fruit that is commensurate to the services they’ve been rendering to Nigeria LNG and other companies where our members are found.”  

Other members of NAPO who spoke with Kristina Reports expressed delight over the development, expressing optimism that the suffering of workers on various projects in Nigeria, particularly in Bonny Island, will soon be a thing of the past.

Recall that the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO) had in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/165/2024 dragged the Federal Government, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), its contractors, and some security agencies before the National Industrial Court demanding N500 billion for damages, amongst other reliefs.

According to the originating summons sighted by Kristina Reports, NAPO is demanding several reliefs including a declaration by the court that it has a right to form, register and operate as a trade union. 

In the said suit the Association also accused the Nigerian Army (NA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Department of State Services (DSS) of arresting, torturing and intimidating its members.

NAPO also accused the NLNG, its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) of impeding its right to form, register and operate as a trade union.

Kristina Reports reliably learnt that in a sudden twist of fate, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment reached out the Association to broker an out-of-court settlement, which has now led to the approval of NAPO’s application for registration as a trade union.