By Victor Ahiuma-Young

IT was a gathering of who is who in  

Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry as well as Labour movement among other stakeholders at  number 9 Jibowu Street, Yaba, few days ago. The occasion was the commissioning of the Seven-storey new national secretariat of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, by President Bola Tinubu.

The new secretariat tagged: NUPENG Tower replaced the old secretariat commissioned 24 years ago (2000) by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It  was built during the leadership of Brisibe Awe as the first President of NUPENG after its take-over by the Military Government of late General Sani Abacha.

The inauguration of the edifice described by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, as the tallest Union office building in Nigeria with multiple power sources such as electricity from the national grid, generating plant, and solar panel, was witnessed by President Tinubu represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, represented by the Registrar of Trade Union, RTU, Falonipe Amos, Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the President of TUC, Festus Osifo, who doubles as President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN.

Also in attendance was a senior member of the House of Representatives and former President of NUPENG, Peter Akpatason, representatives of Delta and Lagos states governors, Chief of Army Staff, other security agencies, diplomats and royal fathers.

Welcoming the guests and members of the union including its veterans, President of NUPENG, Prince Williams Akporeha, among others, stressed the need to continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, uphold safety standards, and invest in the development of skills and technology that will drive us toward a more sustainable future.

He said: “The completion of this 7-floor edifice signifies not only the growth and advancement of NUPENG but also the vital role we play in the advancement of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. This project was wholly financed from workers’ contributions and we are proud of the commitment, dedication and discipline of our rank and file members.

“This Tower is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a physical manifestation of the tireless efforts of every single member of NUPENG, whose services and dedication have helped shape the course of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. It is a testament to the spirit of solidarity that defines our union and the workers who are the heartbeat of our economy.

Workers’ welfare

According to him: “For over four decades, NUPENG has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of workers in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. From negotiating fair wages and safe working conditions to pushing for sustainable policies that ensure the continued growth of the industry, our union has been a voice for the voiceless, a protector of the vulnerable, and a champion of justice.

“Through our dedication and hard work, we have ensured that Nigeria remains a leading player in the global energy market. Whether in the upstream, midstream, or downstream sectors, NUPENG workers are the ones who keep the wheels of our energy sector turning, despite challenges and adversities. We are the men and women who ensure that the lights stay on, that the economy thrives, and that Nigeria’s place on the global energy stage remains secure.

“As we reflect on our accomplishments, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. The road to a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous energy sector for Nigeria remains long, but we are up to the task. With unity, dedication, and a shared vision, we can overcome any obstacle.”

Partnership for growth

While commending President Tinubu’s efforts at repositioning the sector for the good of all Nigerians, Prince Akporeha, said: “We must work together to ensure that Nigeria’s energy future is sustainable, inclusive, and equitable for all Nigerians.”

And to “industry partners in the downstream sector, we appreciate your collaboration and shared commitment to the success of our industry. The challenges of today require collective effort, and we must continue to strengthen our partnerships to ensure that our sector remains globally competitive and capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians

“As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in NUPENG’s history, I call on all of us—government, industry, and labour—to work hand in hand in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape. Let us commit ourselves to policies that not only foster the growth of the industry but also ensure that the benefits of this growth reach every Nigerian.

Let us continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, uphold safety standards, and invest in the development of skills and technology that will drive us toward a more sustainable future.

“NUPENG has always been about more than just negotiations and contracts. We are about people. We are about ensuring that the workers who power this nation receive the dignity, respect, and fair compensation they deserve. We are about creating an environment where prosperity is shared by all. As we look toward the future, I am confident that we will continue to rise, evolve, and meet the challenges of tomorrow with the same determination that has defined us for over 40 years.”

President Tinubu

Commissioning the secretariat, President Tinubu called for a stronger relationship with the unions in the Petroleum Industry for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to  him, the success of the oil and gas sector should be measured according to the success of the unions for higher production and more revenue for the government.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Tinubu said that NUPENG and PENGASSAN would be held accountable if the sector failed, stressing on a renewed commitment to grow the sector for the benefit of the country.

The President restated his government’s commitment to deepening the relationship with the unions in the sector in particular and Organised Labour in general to achieve a mutual benefit for all, including workers and the government.

In their solidarity messages, Ajaero, and Osifo, among others, described the feat as a show of resilience and testimony of the Organised Labour ’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.