Abuja. – Normal operations have resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) after oil and gas unions, PENGASSAN and NUPENG, called off a one-day strike that briefly disrupted administrative activities.
The industrial action, which began on Monday morning, June 1, was suspended later the same day following negotiations between the commission’s management and union leaders. The stoppage lasted about 12 hours, affecting mainly administrative functions at NUPRC headquarters and some field offices.
NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, said core regulatory and oversight activities were not impacted during the strike. He noted that crude oil production and upstream operations continued without interruption.
The commission also dismissed reports suggesting that oil output was disrupted, describing such claims as false. It further clarified that the dispute was not related to foreign training programmes, contrary to some media narratives.
Sources familiar with the situation said the strike was triggered by unresolved issues around staff welfare, promotions, governance, and elements of training and capacity development. There were also concerns linked to the cost-of-collection structure and training priorities.
Although labour tensions are not uncommon in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the swift resolution prevented any significant escalation, unlike previous nationwide actions involving the unions.
Following the resolution, NUPRC management pledged to improve working conditions and strengthen staff development in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining stable industrial relations while advancing reforms aimed at boosting investment and increasing crude oil production.
The development underscores the role of dialogue in resolving disputes within Nigeria’s critical petroleum sector, a key driver of the country’s economy.
