OIL WORKERS FACE JOB LOSSES, RIGHTS CRACKDOWN — NUPENG RAISES ALARM
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By;Ganiyat Sunmola
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised concerns over rising job losses and increasing suppression of workers’ rights within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The outgoing NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, made the remarks in his valedictory address at the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos over the weekend.
He said the removal of fuel subsidy had negatively impacted many workers, particularly those in the informal sector, leading to loss of livelihoods.
Akporeha stated that although ongoing reforms, including the push for gas as a transition fuel, are important, they must be implemented in a way that protects workers’ interests.
He emphasised the need for a “just and fair transition,” urging the government to provide reskilling, retraining, and financial support for affected workers.
He also expressed concern that labour unions were being excluded from key policy decisions affecting workers’ welfare, warning that such exclusion could heighten tensions in the sector.
According to him, there are increasing cases of unfair labour practices, including efforts to discourage union membership among workers.
He alleged that some drivers were employed under restrictive conditions and made to sign agreements limiting their right to join unions, describing the practice as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour standards.
Akporeha reaffirmed NUPENG’s commitment to defending workers’ rights to unionisation and collective bargaining through all lawful means.
He further raised alarm over worsening insecurity and economic pressures facing oil workers, including rising incidents of petroleum truck hijackings and kidnappings.
He also lamented the poor condition of roads used for petroleum distribution, saying many routes remain in deplorable states and pose serious challenges to workers.
Despite these issues, he highlighted some achievements recorded during his tenure, including improved welfare packages, expansion of union branches, and infrastructure development.
He concluded by calling on government and industry stakeholders to prioritise job protection and workers’ rights in all ongoing reforms within the oil and gas sector.
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