The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has expressed alarm over rising job losses and erosion of workers' rights in the oil and gas sector. Speaking at the union's 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos, President Prince Williams Akporeha linked the hardship to recent industry reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy. He stated, "We cannot ignore its reverberating impacts. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost livelihoods." Akporeha called for a just transition, urging government to reskill, retrain and fund affected workers. He criticised the exclusion of the union from key policy decisions, warning it could deepen tensions in the sector. Akporeha alleged that some employers were recruiting drivers under conditions that barred union membership, calling it a violation of the Constitution, Labour Act and international standards. He affirmed NUPENG's commitment to pursuing all lawful means to protect workers' rights to collective bargaining. The union leader cited rising insecurity, including petroleum truck hijackings and kidnappings, as growing threats to workers. Deteriorating road conditions, he noted, were worsening distribution challenges across the country. Despite these issues, Akporeha highlighted gains under his leadership, including expanded union branches, improved welfare packages and infrastructure projects. He concluded with a call for justice and power to remain with the working class, stressing that job protection and rights must be central to all sectoral reforms.
Prince Williams Akporeha highlights workers' exclusion from policy talks while his union benefited from improved welfare and infrastructure under his leadership. If members are being denied union rights in the informal sector, the gains within NUPENG's formal structure may not reflect the reality for most affected workers. The rising insecurity and poor road conditions he cited directly undermine the safe movement of fuel, hitting both workers and consumers. A call for inclusion rings hollow when the union's own achievements appear concentrated at the top.
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