The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the full resumption of work across its offices nationwide following the suspension of a one-day strike by its workers over welfare and administrative concerns.
The industrial action, which began on Monday, was called off late the same day after successful negotiations between the commission’s management and labour unions representing staff.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NUPRC said normal operations had resumed after reaching an agreement with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The workers had embarked on the strike after talks with management broke down over issues including staff welfare, promotions, training opportunities, institutional governance and remuneration.
Among their demands was a review of the commission’s cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The workers argued that the arrangement had weakened NUPRC’s financial strength and operational effectiveness.
They also expressed concerns over what they described as an operator-style approach to regulation, which they said had created overlaps in responsibilities within the petroleum regulatory system. In addition, the workers sought improved compensation comparable to industry standards, as well as enhanced career development and capacity-building opportunities.
Despite the nationwide shutdown of administrative offices, the commission maintained that oil and gas production activities were not affected because operational personnel were exempted from the strike.
According to the statement signed by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the industrial action lasted only 12 hours and had no impact on regulatory oversight of oil and gas facilities.
“The strike, which lasted for 12 hours, affected only administrative work while regulatory activities in oil and gas facilities remained unaffected,” the commission stated.
NUPRC also dismissed reports suggesting that crude oil production was disrupted or that the dispute was mainly linked to foreign training opportunities for staff.
The commission urged the public to disregard what it described as false and misleading reports regarding the strike and its impact on the country’s petroleum sector.
It further pledged to improve staff welfare, create a more conducive working environment and prioritise workforce development in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The suspension of the strike restores normal administrative operations at the commission while discussions on workers’ concerns are expected to continue.
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