Mr. Muhammed Dangyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, has urged new NUPENG president Salimon Akanni Oladiti to sustain the achievements of his predecessor, Williams Akporeha.
Dangyadi conveyed the message on Sunday in a goodwill address at the union’s sixth Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Lagos.
Represented by Mr. Falonipe Amos, Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations (TUSIR), he praised the cordial relations between NUPENG and stakeholders across the oil and gas sector.
He urged the new leadership to maintain industrial harmony by prioritising dialogue in resolving 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 follow his lead,” he said.
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, the construction of the NUPENG Towers national secretariat, and the 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 also assured members of continued engagement with government, employers, and other stakeholders to improve welfare and working conditions. “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 added.
He announced plans to establish a truth and reconciliation committee and collaborate closely with past leaders.
Earlier, Akporeha highlighted his administration’s achievements, including enhanced staff welfare, infrastructure development, workforce rejuvenation, and the commissioning of NUPENG Towers in December 2024.
Mr. Festus Osifo, president of both TUC and PENGASSAN, commended Akporeha for strengthening collaboration between the unions. “Our partnership has led to significant improvements, including increased remuneration for members in international oil companies. Despite upstream divestments, no member lost their job, and we assure the new leadership of continued cooperation,” he said.
Oladiti was previously the National Chairman of NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch.
