The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised serious concerns about growing job losses and the suppression of workers’ rights in the country’s oil and gas industry. The union warned that these problems are becoming worse and could lead to serious unrest if not addressed quickly.

Many workers, especially those in the informal part of the sector like tanker drivers, are finding it hard to keep their jobs.

Outgoing NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, spoke strongly about the issues during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos. He said the removal of fuel subsidy has badly affected many members and caused several people to lose their livelihoods.

He added that while changes like using gas as a new energy source are important, they must be done in a fair way that does not leave workers behind.

Akporeha complained that the union was not properly involved when important decisions about the industry were made. He pointed out unfair practices where some companies force drivers to sign agreements that stop them from joining the union.

This, he said, goes against the country’s constitution and labour laws. The union promised to fight through legal means to protect the right of workers to join unions and bargain for better conditions.

The union also highlighted other challenges such as rising insecurity, with more cases of truck hijackings and kidnappings. Poor road conditions are making it even harder for members to do their work safely. Workers now have to spend more money on their own security while trying to distribute petroleum products across the country.

NUPENG called on the government to retrain and support affected workers so they can cope with changes in the industry. Akporeha stressed that protecting jobs and respecting workers’ rights should be at the centre of all reforms in the oil and gas sector. He urged that justice and power must always favour the working people who keep the nation running.