Oladiti Elected NUPENG President: A New Era for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Workers Amid Industry Reforms and Security Challenges

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has ushered in a new leadership era with the election of Comrade Salimon Oladiti as its president. This transition marks the end of Comrade Williams Akporeha’s eight-year tenure and comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is grappling with sweeping reforms, market liberalization, and persistent security threats. The election took place during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos, a gathering that underscored the union’s commitment to democratic processes and worker representation.

New Leadership: Experience and Continuity

Comrade Salimon Oladiti, previously a National Trustee of NUPENG, steps into the presidency with a mandate to lead the union for the next four years. His deep familiarity with the union’s internal dynamics and the broader industry landscape positions him to navigate the complex challenges ahead. Alongside him, Comrade Akin Oladejo, former Chairman of the union’s Oil and Gas Supply Branch, was elected as deputy president. Oladejo’s grassroots experience in the supply chain sector—critical for downstream operations—adds operational depth to the leadership team.

This leadership change is not merely ceremonial; it signals a strategic shift as NUPENG prepares to engage with the federal government, private sector stakeholders, and international partners on issues ranging from refinery rehabilitation (e.g., the Dangote Refinery and state-owned refineries) to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The new executives inherit a union that represents tens of thousands of workers across upstream exploration, midstream transportation, and downstream distribution.

Outgoing President’s Farewell: A Call for Security and Infrastructure Overhaul

In his valedictory address, outgoing President Comrade Williams Akporeha did not mince words. He urged the federal government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, which he described as a systemic threat to Nigeria’s economic survival. Speaking on the conference theme, “Justice and Power in the Nigerian Industrial Relations System,” Akporeha stressed that without a secure environment, the nation’s industrialization and foreign investment goals would remain elusive.

He painted a stark picture: “It is disheartening that insecurity continues to spread without any clear signs of being contained. From the North-East to the South-South, insecurity is hampering petroleum operations. Incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply, forcing our members to spend more on securing their businesses.” This reality has direct implications for fuel supply stability, operational costs, and worker safety—factors that ultimately affect every Nigerian consumer.

Akporeha also highlighted the deplorable state of critical road infrastructure, noting that many economic routes remain impassable. “Although we acknowledge ongoing road construction efforts, many key economic roads are still in terrible condition. Our members, who traverse the length and breadth of the country, face extremely difficult conditions, especially with the rainy season approaching. Government must urgently address these challenges,” he added. For context, the poor state of roads like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Benin-Warri route directly impacts the timely distribution of petroleum products, contributing to artificial scarcity and price volatility.

Industry Context: Why This Leadership Change Matters

Oladiti assumes leadership at a critical juncture. Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is undergoing major transitions:

• Refinery Expansion: The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is reshaping the downstream landscape, potentially reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products. However, this shift raises questions about job displacement and the fate of existing refineries.
• Market Liberalization: The removal of fuel subsidies and the deregulation of the downstream sector have led to price fluctuations, impacting workers’ purchasing power and the cost of doing business.
• Energy Transition Pressures: Global moves toward renewable energy and decarbonization are forcing Nigerian oil workers to consider future-proofing their skills and livelihoods.
• Labour Concerns: Job security, fair wages, and the implementation of the PIA’s provisions for host communities and workers remain unresolved.

These factors make NUPENG’s role more critical than ever. The union must balance advocacy for workers’ rights with constructive engagement with policymakers to ensure that reforms do not come at the expense of the workforce.

Conference Resolutions: A Unified Call for Action

Participants at the conference echoed Akporeha’s concerns, warning that without decisive action to curb insecurity, the country’s economic and political aspirations could remain unattainable. The conference served as a platform for delegates to voice frustrations over the lack of progress in addressing kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, and armed attacks on petroleum transporters. These issues not only endanger lives but also discourage investment in the sector.

In his charge to the new executive, Akporeha offered a rallying cry: “To the new executive, guard this union jealously, defend the rights of workers, resist monopolistic control, and remember that justice and power must always rest with the working class.” This statement reflects NUPENG’s historical role as a defender of labour rights in an industry often dominated by powerful corporate and political interests.

Practical Implications for Workers and the Public

For the average Nigerian, the outcome of this leadership transition may seem distant, but it has direct consequences. NUPENG’s ability to negotiate better working conditions, ensure safe transportation of petroleum products, and advocate for infrastructure improvements can influence fuel availability and pricing. For example, if the union successfully pressures the government to repair key roads and enhance security, it could reduce the cost of transporting fuel, potentially lowering pump prices.

Moreover, the union’s stance on the PIA and refinery privatization will shape the future of employment in the sector. Workers in the oil and gas industry—from truck drivers to refinery technicians—are looking to Oladiti’s leadership for clarity on how their jobs will evolve in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the New Administration

As Comrade Oladiti takes the helm, his immediate priorities should include:

• Security Advocacy: Collaborating with security agencies and the government to develop targeted interventions for protecting petroleum workers and assets.
• Infrastructure Push: Lobbying for the rehabilitation of critical economic roads, especially those in the Niger Delta and along major distribution corridors.
• Worker Welfare: Ensuring that the benefits of industry reforms, such as the PIA, are equitably distributed among workers.
• Energy Transition Planning: Preparing the workforce for a low-carbon future through retraining and diversification programs.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with experienced leadership and a united membership, NUPENG can continue to be a powerful voice for justice and power in Nigeria’s industrial relations system.

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This article was originally sourced from Leadership.ng and has been expanded for depth and context.