NUPRC strike threatens oil, gas regulatory operations nationwide

NUPRC Workers Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare and Training Disputes

Nigeria's oil and gas regulatory framework faced a major disruption on Monday as workers at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) walked out on an indefinite nationwide strike.

The industrial action has brought administrative and regulatory operations to a temporary halt. Members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down the commission’s headquarters in Abuja along with several field offices across the country.

The labour dispute centres on worker welfare, career progression, promotions, and staff training. Sources within the union stated that negotiations between staff representatives and management broke down after both sides failed to reach an agreement on long-standing workplace issues.

A key point of disagreement involves international training programs. The union and management are divided over where capacity building should take place. NUPRC management insists that technical training programs, including testing of specialised petroleum meters, must take place within Nigeria. Management argues that local training cuts operational costs and strengthens local institutions. However, union members rejected this position, demanding that international training opportunities be preserved.

Workers also raised concerns about the regulator’s current financial structure. They are demanding a review of the cost of the collection system, specifically criticising a one percent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The union claims this arrangement reduces the upstream regulator's financial capacity and weakens its ability to operate efficiently. Furthermore, staff accused leadership of managing the regulatory body like a private oil company, which they argue creates confusion and overlaps within the country's energy sector.

Despite the widespread closure of administrative offices, the strike has not stopped the flow of oil. Essential operational personnel at production facilities are exempted from the walkout for now, allowing field operations to continue while talks happen.

NUPRC management confirmed the situation but downplayed its immediate impact on the wider economy. Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, the Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, acknowledged that the industrial action has affected administrative functions at the offices. However, he clarified that the situation has not affected oil and gas production facilities or overall national output.

The commission's leadership is currently holding emergency meetings with union leaders to resolve the disputes, address worker grievances, and restore normal regulatory operations across the country.