Work Resumes at NUPRC as Unions Suspend Strike After 12-Hour Shutdown

Normal operations have resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) following the suspension of a one-day industrial action by workers after successful negotiations between management and labour unions.

The commission confirmed on Tuesday that the strike, which temporarily disrupted administrative activities at its headquarters and offices nationwide, was called off late Monday night following an agreement reached between management and union representatives.

Speaking on the development, the Head of Corporate Communications and Media at NUPRC, Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, said discussions involving the commission’s leadership, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) led to the resolution of the dispute.

“The industrial action has been suspended following fruitful engagements between management and the unions,” Akinkuotu said.

He explained that while administrative activities were briefly affected, regulatory oversight and oil production operations across the country continued uninterrupted throughout the strike period.

“The action lasted approximately 12 hours and only affected administrative work. Regulatory activities at oil and gas facilities remained fully operational,” he stated.

The commission also dismissed reports suggesting that crude oil production was disrupted as a result of the protest. Akinkuotu urged members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading reports linking the disagreement solely to overseas training opportunities.

The strike began on Monday after members of PENGASSAN blocked access to the commission’s headquarters, protesting what they alleged were irregularities in training and staff development programmes.

Sources familiar with the dispute indicated that tensions emerged after management reportedly opted to prioritise local capacity-building initiatives instead of certain overseas training programmes previously favoured by workers.

Management reportedly argued that conducting specialised training within Nigeria would significantly reduce costs while simultaneously strengthening local expertise and institutional capacity.

Some workers however, expressed concerns over the policy shift and advocated for the continuation of selected foreign training opportunities.

Following negotiations, both parties reached an understanding that paved the way for the suspension of the industrial action. Akinkuotu said the commission remains committed to improving staff welfare, creating a more conducive working environment and expanding professional development opportunities for employees.

He added that staff development remains a priority under the Petroleum Industry Act and would continue to receive management attention.

The resolution has eased concerns within the petroleum sector and restored normal administrative operations at the commission.