NEPC, workers’ union deny planned strike, dismiss allegations

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and its workers’ union on Monday jointly dismissed reports of a planned industrial action, describing claims circulating on some online media platforms as false and insisting that the council continues to enjoy industrial harmony.

The council also denied reports alleging the appointment of directors and claims of favouritism and nepotism within the organisation, saying the allegations were unfounded and intended to mislead the public.

The clarification followed a joint meeting between the management of the council and the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NEPC Unit.

In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Aliu Sadiq, the council urged exporters, stakeholders and members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading reports of an impending strike.

“The Management of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council debunks misinformation circulating in some sections of the online media alleging a planned strike action by NEPC staff,” the statement affirmed.

It said the purported strike action was false, baseless and should be disregarded by the general public.

According to the statement, the chairman of the ASCSN, NEPC Unit, Moruf Ogunlana, reaffirmed that the council remained peaceful and that the union neither authorised nor had prior knowledge of the alleged strike.

It added that the union disassociated itself from the online publications and pledged continued cooperation with management.

Addressing reports of alleged appointments of directors, the management maintained that no such appointments had been made.

The statement added that “there was no appointment of directors to the Council,” adding that “to support the day-to-day running of her office, Management will not only continue to work with the existing organisational structure and staff across all departments but further enhance their capacity and work skills.”