The Nigerian Welders and Fitters Association (NWFA) has shut down the Ogini Oil Field in Isoko North, Delta State, operated by Sterling Global, over allegations of non-compliance with the country’s indigenisation law and local content policy.
The protest, led by hundreds of NWFA members, centered around the employment of Indian welders and fitters by Sterling Global, accusing the company of neglecting local workers. The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and demand the repatriation of the foreign workers to ensure the continued industrial harmony in the state.
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Carrying placards with messages such as “Indian Welders/Fitters Must Go” and “Obey Nigerian Local Content Recruitment Law,” the protesters warned that unless Sterling Global replaces the Indian workers with local talent, they would take further legal action to disrupt the company’s operations in the Isoko area.
The leadership of the NWFA, including Comrade Eseoghene Odima, Comrade Friday Atiemoh, and other top officials, reiterated that there are enough qualified Nigerian welders and fitters to perform the jobs currently being handled by foreign workers.
They stressed that the local content law mandates that Nigerian workers should make up 60% of the workforce in such projects, with foreign workers filling specialized roles only when necessary.
At the time of filing this report, Sterling Global is yet to comment on the concerns raised by the protesters.
