The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has raised fresh concerns over rising job losses and growing suppression of workers’ rights in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Outgoing President Williams Akporeha delivered the warning during his valedictory address at the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos.
Akporeha said the removal of fuel subsidy has hit workers hard, especially those in the informal sector. He explained that many members have lost their livelihoods as the policy continues to affect operations across the industry.
“We cannot ignore its impact. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost their means of survival,” he said.
He acknowledged the need for reforms, including the push to promote gas as a transition fuel. However, he insisted that authorities must protect workers during the transition.
“This transition must remain fair. Government must reskill, retrain, and support our members,” he said.
Akporeha also criticised the exclusion of workers from key policy decisions. He warned that authorities risk deepening tensions if they continue to sideline unions in matters that affect workers’ welfare.
“Decision-makers did not carry the union along. That approach will only create more problems,” he said.
He raised alarm over rising cases of unfair labour practices. He accused some employers of forcing workers to reject union membership under restrictive conditions.
“Some drivers sign agreements that block union membership. This action violates the Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour standards,” he said.
He stressed that NUPENG will continue to defend workers’ rights through legal means.
Akporeha also pointed to worsening insecurity across the sector. He said members now spend more money to protect their businesses as cases of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping increase.
“Our members face growing threats daily. Criminal attacks now disrupt operations and increase costs,” he said.
He added that poor road conditions continue to worsen distribution challenges across the country.
“Many key roads remain in bad condition. Our members struggle daily to move petroleum products,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Akporeha highlighted achievements under his leadership, including improved welfare packages, expansion of union branches, and infrastructure development.
“I came, I saw, and together we improved the lives of our members,” he said.
He ended his address with a call for urgent action from government and industry stakeholders.
“Protecting jobs and defending workers’ rights must remain central to all reforms in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
NUPENG operates as one of Nigeria’s most influential trade unions, representing workers across the downstream sector, including tanker drivers and fuel station workers. Alongside the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the union continues to shape labour actions that can significantly affect fuel supply nationwide.
