NUPENG Raises Alarm Over Job Losses, Workers’ Rights Suppression in Oil Sector

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised concerns over rising job losses and what it described as growing suppression of workers’ rights in the country’s oil and gas industry.

 

Speaking at the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos, NUPENG President, Prince Williams Akporeha, warned that ongoing reforms in the sector were worsening economic hardship for workers, particularly those in the informal segment.

 

“We cannot ignore its reverberating impacts. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost livelihoods,” he said, referencing the removal of fuel subsidy.

 

Akporeha stressed that while reforms such as the transition to gas are necessary, they must be implemented in a way that protects workers.

 

“This transition must be just and fair. We appeal to the government to reskill, retrain, and fund our members for a just transition,” he stated.

 

He also expressed concern over the exclusion of labour unions from key policy decisions affecting their members.

 

“Sadly, the Union was not adequately carried along in planning,” he said, warning that sidelining workers could heighten tensions within the industry.

 

The NUPENG president further alleged an increase in unfair labour practices, including attempts to weaken union membership.

 

“Drivers were recruited under restrictive conditions, forced to sign undertakings against union membership. This is a direct violation of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour standards,” Akporeha said.

 

He added that the union would pursue all lawful means to defend workers’ rights to union representation and collective bargaining.

 

On security concerns, Akporeha noted a rise in petroleum truck hijackings and kidnappings, which he said has forced members to spend more on protecting their operations.

 

“Our members now spend more to secure their businesses. Incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply,” he said.

 

He also pointed to poor road infrastructure as a major challenge, noting that many key routes used for petroleum distribution remain in bad condition.

 

“Many economic roads still remain in impassable conditions. Our members bear horrible challenges in distributing petroleum products across the country,” he added.

 

Despite the challenges, Akporeha highlighted achievements during his tenure, including improved welfare packages, expansion of union branches, and infrastructure development.

 

“I came, I saw, and together we conquered—not for personal glory, but for the dignity of every man and woman who powers this nation,” he said.

 

He called on government and industry stakeholders to prioritise job protection and workers’ welfare in ongoing and future reforms.

 

“Justice and power must always rest with the working class. Protecting jobs and upholding workers’ rights must remain central to all reforms in the oil and gas sector,” he said.