The National Association of Plants Operators (NAPO), an affiliate union of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) to reinstate its members who were unlawfully sacked during the industrial crisis over tax irregularities.
DECN is the construction contractor of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) Train 7 project in Bonny, Rivers State.
President General of NAPO, Harold Benstowe, who disclosed this on Monday, January 12, 2026 in an interview with Kristina Reports, said some NAPO members were unlawfully terminated since August 2025, following allegations of tax fraud raised against the company by its workers
He informed that NAPO’s National Administrative Council (NAC) took the decision at its meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, in the wake of alleged intimidation of its members over issues that were already before the Minister of Labour and Employment, stating that these include amongst others, compliance to section 9(1) of the Trade Dispute Act.
He regretted that despite a letter from the office of the Labour and Employment Minister notifying Daewoo that the Ministry has apprehended the matter and directing that all parties maintain status quo, the company went ahead to allegedly disobey the minister’s directive.
The NAPO President General asserted that the NAC resolved to mobilize its members for a one-day warning strike should Daewoo fail to comply with six demands within the stipulated timeframe.
He listed NAPO’s demands as reinstatement of sacked workers, recognition of workers’ right to join a union of their choice and proof of remitted taxes deducted from workers’ salaries, among others.
He urged other contractors, including Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, to comply with similar demands affecting NAPO members, warning the companies to take the ultimatum seriously, resist manipulation and unlawful practices against its members.
Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that the dispute stems from allegations of tax fraud and non-remittance of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes to the relevant authorities, with NAPO petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of DECN on the NLNG Train 7 project, Sotonye Ibiama dismissed the allegations against the company, stating that the company remains committed to the rule of law, and will continue to adhere to global best practices in labour related issues.