The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has warned that job losses and suppression of workers’ rights are worsening in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Outgoing NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, gave the warning in his valedictory address at the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos at the weekend.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy had negatively affected many workers, especially those operating in the informal sector.

“We cannot ignore its reverberating impacts. Many of our members, especially in the informal sector, have lost livelihoods,” he said.

Akporeha stated that reforms such as promoting gas as a transition fuel were necessary, but should not be implemented at the expense of workers.

“This transition must be just and fair. We appeal to the government to reskill, retrain, and fund our members for a just transition,” he said.

He also expressed concern that workers were increasingly excluded from major policy decisions affecting their welfare.

“Sadly, the union was not adequately carried along in planning,” he said.

The NUPENG president further alleged growing cases of unfair labour practices, especially attempts to stop workers from joining unions.

“Drivers were recruited under restrictive conditions, forced to sign undertakings against union membership. This is a direct violation of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour standards,” he said.

He added that the union would continue to pursue lawful means to ensure workers enjoy their rights to union representation and collective bargaining.

Akporeha also warned of rising insecurity and economic hardship affecting members across the country.

“Our members now spend more to secure their businesses. Incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping have risen sharply,” he said.

He further identified poor road conditions as another major challenge facing workers in the sector.

“Many economic roads still remain in impassable conditions. Our members bear horrible challenges in distributing petroleum products across the country,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Akporeha said his administration recorded progress in welfare packages, branch expansion, and infrastructure development.

“I came, I saw, and together we conquered, not for personal glory, but for the dignity of every man and woman who powers this nation,” he said.

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He called on government and industry stakeholders to prioritise job protection and workers’ rights in all oil and gas sector reforms.

“Justice and power must always rest with the working class. Protecting jobs and upholding workers’ rights must remain central to all reforms in the oil and gas sector,” he said.