By Victor AhiumaYoung

Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural 

Gas Workers, NUPENG, and its  Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, counterpart, have expressed sadness and shock over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six oil workers and two crew members.

While NUPENG lost two of its officials, PENGASSAN on the other hand, lost four members to the unfortunate crash.

In separate statements, the two unions in the nation’s Oil and Gas industry, lamented that their unfortunate and untimely death is a significant blow to the oil and gas industry.

NUPENG in a statement by its President and General Secretary, Prince Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, respectively,  among others, said: “The leadership and entire membership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG expresses profound sadness and deep sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including six passengers and two crew members. 

“The Eastwind Aviation helicopter, carrying these individuals, crashed into the Bonny River in Rivers State while en route from the Port Harcourt Military base to FPSO NUIM ANTAN (offshore Calabar) on October 24, 2024.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, the management and staff of Arion Energy Services Ltd and the NUIM Antan Branch of NUPENG. The entire oil and gas sector and aviation community are profoundly affected and impacted by this heartbreaking accident and losses.

“We are doubly saddened to note that amongst the deceased were two highly committed and frontline members of NUPENG, these were, Comrade Boris Dorbi, the dependable Branch Chairman of NUPENG and Comrade Lawrence Alu, who is also a respected member of NUIM Antan Branch of NUPENG, their unfortunate and untimely death is a significant blow to the oil and gas industry and our collective workforce.

“Meanwhile, we wish to commend the efforts of the Rivers and Akwa Ibom states governments, Federal Ministry of Aviation and other agencies involved in the recovery operations. As we mourn our deceased comrades and colleagues, we stand united in our grief and offer our prayers and condolences to the bereaved families and all those impacted by this tragedy.

“NUPENG remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of our members and the wider community.

“May the souls of the departed rest ni peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses.”

On its part, PENGASSAN in a statement by its President, Festus Osifo, said the Association “is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of four of its esteemed members.  The crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 24th October 2024 in Rivers State.

 “The deceased members were valued members of the PENGASSAN family and dedicated professionals in the Oil and Gas industry.  Their contributions to the Sector and to our Association will be sorely missed.

 “PENGASSAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this difficult time. We share in their grief and offer our unwavering support as we navigate this tragic event. We are committed to providing assistance to the bereaved families in any way possible.

 “The Association is currently working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their investigation.  We urge all parties involved to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the accident and urgent measures put in place to prevent future tragedies.”

 “PENGASSAN calls for all her members everywhere through the Branches to observe a moment of silence and reflection in honour of our fallen Comrades.  Their dedication and service to the Oil and Gas industry will never be forgotten.

 “We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.”