Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission workers strike over welfare dispute
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC have begun an indefinite nationwide strike, closing the commission's offices on Monday due to unresolved welfare and administrative grievances. Operational staff are exempt from the industrial action while discussions are ongoing. Negotiations between staff representatives and management regarding institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions, and training opportunities failed to reach an agreement, leading to the strike. The workers are demanding a review of the current cost-of-collection structure, specifically the one percent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which they claim has weakened the upstream regulator's operational and financial capacity. They also accuse the commission of an operator-style regulatory approach, causing overlapping responsibilities. Other demands include wages reflecting the oil and gas industry's remuneration structures and addressing concerns about staff development, career progression, and capacity building, particularly the commission's preference for local over overseas training programs. The NUPRC confirmed the strike but stated it has not impacted oil and gas facilities or production, with top management meeting unions to resolve the issue.
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