News Investigators/ Muhammed Dangyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, has urged new NUPENG president, Salimon Akanni Oladiti, to sustain achievements of predecessor, Williams Akporeha.
Mr Dangyadi gave the charge on Sunday in a goodwill message at the union’s sixth Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos.
Represented by TUSIR Director, Mr Falonipe Amos, Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, he recalled cordial relations between NUPENG and stakeholders across the oil and gas value chain.
He urged the leadership to sustain industrial harmony by prioritising dialogue in addressing labour issues.
“The Federal Government values NUPENG’s contributions to national development.
“Akporeha’s commitment to constructive dialogue while advancing workers’ welfare is exemplary. We urge the incoming executive to take a cue,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oladiti and 15 other national officers were elected unopposed for a four-year term.
In his acceptance speech, Oladiti commended Akporeha for achievements, including improved remuneration and construction of NUPENG Towers national secretariat.
He also cited introduction of health and life insurance schemes for staff and tanker drivers.
He pledged to build on these gains and strengthen the union.
“Your dedication, sacrifices, and steadfast leadership have laid a strong foundation upon which we shall continue to build.
“We are committed to strengthening our union and upholding the dignity of labour,” he said.
Oladiti assured members of continued engagement with government, employers and other stakeholders to improve welfare and working conditions.
“At the same time, we will continue to engage employers through constructive dialogue to secure better conditions of service.
“The rights and welfare of our members will remain our priority,” he said.
He announced plans to establish a truth and reconciliation committee and to work closely with past leaders.
Earlier, Akporeha highlighted achievements of his administration, including enhanced staff welfare, infrastructure development and workforce rejuvenation.
“The crowning achievement is the commissioning of NUPENG Towers in December 2024,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Festus Osifo, the president of both TUC and PENGASSAN, commended Akporeha for strengthening collaboration between both unions.
“PENGASSAN and NUPENG have never had it so good in the last eight years.
“Our collaboration has led to significant improvements, including increased remuneration for members in international oil companies,” he said.
Osifo added that in spite of upstream divestments, no member of either union lost their job, and assured the new leadership of continued cooperation.
NAN reports that Oladiti was the immediate past National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of NUPENG.
NAN