By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently clarify the Executive Order he signed on Wednesday. The union said the order is creating tension and uncertainty in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Workers across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations are concerned about job security, labour agreements, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
NUPENG Demands Stakeholders’ Meeting
In a statement, NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha urged the government to convene a broad-based stakeholders’ meeting. He emphasized the need for transparency and direct engagement to prevent industry unrest.
“Petroleum workers across all operations are anxious about the content, intent, and implications of this Executive Order,” Akporeha said.
The union believes that public clarification will reduce confusion and ensure stability in the sector.
Industry Concerns and Economic Implications
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is crucial to national revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. NUPENG warned that the Executive Order could have wide-reaching effects on:
- Regulatory frameworks and operational standards
- Investment decisions
- Labour relations and collective agreements
- Indigenous participation and local content development
The union highlighted that unclear policies may destabilize operations and weaken industrial harmony.
Key Areas Requiring Clarification
NUPENG called for urgent clarity on the following:
- Scope and Objectives: What specific reforms or adjustments does the Executive Order introduce?
- Impact on Petroleum Industry Act (PIA): Does it amend or reinterpret existing provisions?
- Workers and Labour Agreements: How will it affect job security, benefits, and collective bargaining?
- Indigenous Participation: Will it influence Nigerian companies and local employment opportunities?
NUPENG’s Call for Constructive Engagement
The union stressed that it remains committed to national development and stability in the oil and gas sector. However, it has a duty to protect the rights and welfare of its members.
“A timely stakeholders’ meeting with labour, regulators, operators, and host community representatives will foster transparency, trust, and industrial peace,” the statement added.
NUPENG concluded by urging President Tinubu to provide immediate clarification to ensure economic stability and national progress.
