The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has raised serious concerns over escalating job losses and what it described as increasing suppression of workers’ rights in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
In his valedictory speech at the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos, NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha warned that many workers, particularly in the informal sector, are facing mounting economic hardship as industry reforms reshape the sector.
Referring to the removal of fuel subsidy, Akporeha said, “We cannot ignore its reverberating impacts. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost livelihoods.”
He stressed that while reforms such as promoting gas as a transition fuel are necessary, they must not come at the expense of 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 declared.
Akporeha expressed concern that workers are increasingly being excluded from key policy decisions affecting their welfare. “Sadly, the union was not adequately carried along in planning,” he said, warning that such exclusion could worsen tensions across the industry.
The NUPENG president also alleged a rise in unfair labour practices, particularly attempts to weaken union membership among workers. “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. 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.”
On the broader state of the industry, he warned of a growing climate of insecurity and economic strain affecting members nationwide, noting that incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply, while deteriorating road conditions are compounding the challenges faced by workers.
Despite the challenges, Akporeha highlighted achievements during his administration, including improved welfare packages and expanded union branches, and declared, “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.”
