Strike Disrupts Administrative Operations
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that oil and gas production in Nigeria remains stable. This follows a nationwide strike by protesting workers that shut down its offices.
The strike paralysed administrative operations across the commission. However, field activities in the oil sector continued without disruption.
Commission Assures Production Stability
The Head of Corporate Communications and Media, Mr Eniola Akinkuotu, confirmed the situation on Monday. He said the industrial action affected only office-based work.
“It is true that some administrative activities were affected today due to industrial action taken by the unions,” he said.
However, he added that oil and gas production activities were not affected.
Regulatory Functions Continue
Despite the strike, regulatory oversight and field monitoring have continued. The commission maintained that essential operations in oil facilities remain active.
Moreover, senior management has moved to resolve the dispute. Officials are currently engaging union leaders to restore normal operations.
Union Blocks Headquarters Access
Members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) blocked access to the NUPRC headquarters earlier. They protested alleged irregularities in foreign training placements.
As a result, administrative services at the commission were suspended nationwide.
Dispute Over Training Policy
Sources said the dispute began after management prioritised local training over overseas programmes. Workers opposed the decision and demanded foreign capacity-building opportunities.
In addition, staff members claimed the disagreement escalated after talks broke down between both sides.
A staff member, who spoke anonymously, said management argued that local training would cut costs and strengthen domestic capacity.
Management Defends Local Training Approach
Furthermore, the commission insisted that specialised training should take place within Nigeria. It said programmes such as Factory Acceptance Tests for Positive Displacement (PD) meters could be conducted locally.
However, workers rejected the proposal and proceeded with the strike.
Talks Ongoing to Restore Normalcy
Meanwhile, NUPRC management said it is engaging unions to end the industrial action. It also expressed hope that normal operations would resume soon.
In conclusion, the commission assured stakeholders that Nigeria’s oil production remains unaffected despite the ongoing labour dispute.
