The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised fresh alarm over rising job losses and what it described as worsening suppression of workers’ rights in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, warning that the development could trigger widespread industrial unrest.
The warning came on Sunday during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos, where outgoing President, Prince Williams Akporeha, delivered a strongly worded valedictory address detailing growing hardship among oil workers amid ongoing economic reforms.
Akporeha said the removal of fuel subsidy had triggered far-reaching consequences across the sector, particularly for informal and downstream workers whose livelihoods, according to him, have been severely disrupted.
“We cannot ignore its reverberating impacts. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost livelihoods,” he said.
He insisted that while reforms such as the push for gas as a transition fuel may be necessary, they must not be implemented at the expense of workers already struggling under economic pressure.
“This transition must be just and fair. We appeal to the government to reskill, retrain, and fund our members for a just transition,” he added.
The NUPENG president also accused relevant authorities and industry players of excluding labour unions from critical policy decisions affecting workers’ welfare, warning that such exclusion could deepen tensions in the sector.
“Sadly, the union was not adequately carried along in planning,” he said.
Allegations of union suppression
Akporeha further raised concerns over alleged anti-labour practices by some operators, claiming that workers were being forced into agreements restricting their constitutional right to 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,” he said.
He warned that the union would not relent in defending workers’ rights.
“NUPENG remains resolute on this matter. We will pursue every lawful avenue to ensure that workers enjoy their full rights to union representation and collective bargaining,” he declared.
Rising insecurity, poor infrastructure worsen hardship
Beyond labour issues, the union also decried worsening insecurity along transport routes used for petroleum distribution, noting rising cases of hijackings and kidnappings involving fuel tankers and workers.
“Our members now spend more to secure their businesses. Incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply,” Akporeha said.
He also lamented the deplorable state of roads nationwide, warning that infrastructure decay is compounding operational risks in the sector.
“Many economic roads still remain in impassable conditions. Our members bear horrible challenges in distributing petroleum products across the country,” he added.
Strike threat looms as tensions rise
The conference also hinted at growing agitation within the labour movement, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reportedly aligning with NUPENG on the need to resist policies perceived as hostile to workers’ welfare—raising fears of possible nationwide industrial action if unresolved.
‘We fought for dignity of workers’ — Akporeha
Despite the concerns, Akporeha highlighted what he described as modest gains recorded during his tenure, including improved welfare packages, expansion of union branches, and infrastructural development within the union.
“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 urged government and industry stakeholders to place workers at the centre of ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.
“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 stated.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
