Operations at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) ground to a halt on Monday after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) division of the NUPRC shut down all offices nationwide.
The union began an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and administrative grievances.
A source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, told ThePreview Media that the strike followed “prolonged but unsuccessful engagements” between PENGASSAN members and NUPRC management.
Key demands driving the strike
The source stated that the union members raised concerns over promotions, training opportunities, and broader governance within the agency.
He added that the union is demanding a review of the current allocation of 1 per cent of the cost of collection to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to him, the union members argue the arrangement “weakens the operational capacity and financial efficiency of the upstream regulator” and want it reversed.
He said the union members accused NUPRC leadership of running the commission “like an operator rather than a regulator,” saying the management style undermines the agency’s mandate.
The source added that repeated attempts at dialogue with management had failed to yield “meaningful results,” leaving the union with “no option but to withdraw services nationwide.”
NUPRC speaks
In a statement on Monday evening, the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, confirmed that some administrative activities were affected by the strike.
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However, he stressed that the activities in oil and gas facilities and overall production have not been impacted “in any way.”
Mr Akinkuotu noted that the top management of the commission is meeting with the unions to put an end to the strike.
“Dear colleagues, it is true that some administrative activities were affected today due to industrial action taken by the unions. However, this has not impacted activities in oil and gas facilities or production in general in any way.
“The top management of the commission is meeting with the unions to put an end to the strike and ultimately restore normalcy,” Mr Akinkuotu said.
