The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has elected Salimon Akanni Oladiti as its new president.

The announcement came as a major development for the oil and gas workers’ union, marking the end of the tenure of the outgoing president, Williams Akporeha, who served for several years.

The change in leadership signals a new phase for one of Nigeria’s most influential labour unions.

The election of Oladiti took place during the union’s leadership transition process. Before his emergence, he had served as a former national chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the union and was also a trustee of NUPENG. His rise to the presidency is considered historic, as he becomes one of the prominent figures from the tanker drivers’ branch to lead the union at the national level.

NUPENG plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economy. The union represents thousands of workers across the oil and gas sector. Its leadership often engages with the government on issues such as fuel prices, working conditions, and industry policies.

A change at the top can influence how these matters are addressed in the future.

Workers across the country will be watching closely to see what direction the new president takes. Key challenges facing the union include job security, fair wages, and the impact of global energy changes on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The new leader will also need to maintain productive relationships with both oil companies and government officials.

For now, union members are being urged to support Salimon Akanni Oladiti and remain united. More details about his plans and priorities are expected in the coming days. The leadership transition brings hope for some workers and uncertainty for others, but NUPENG continues to stand as a strong voice for Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.