Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission have embarked on an indefinite strike over welfare issues, shutting down the commission’s offices nationwide on Monday.
However, it was gathered that operational staff were exempted from the industrial action pending the outcome of ongoing discussions. The strike was said to have commenced following the failure of union leaders and top officials of the commission to resolve welfare and administrative grievances.
Our correspondent learnt that a series of negotiations between staff representatives and management over long-standing industrial issues, including institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions and training opportunities, ended without an agreement, prompting the workers to down tools.
It was further gathered that the aggrieved workers demanded a review of the current cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
According to the workers, the arrangement has weakened the upstream regulator’s operational efficiency and financial capacity. The workers also accused the commission of adopting an operator-style approach to regulation, which they argued created overlaps in responsibilities within the broader petroleum regulatory framework.
Among other demands, the workers are seeking wages that reflect remuneration structures in the oil and gas industry. The aggrieved employees also alleged that the commission’s management was paying lip service to staff development, career progression and capacity building for both junior and senior personnel.
It was also learnt that the strike was linked to the handling of staff training, particularly the commission’s position that capacity-building initiatives should be conducted locally rather than through overseas programmes.
The NUPRC confirmed the industrial action when contacted but allayed fears of any disruption to energy security.
NUPRC spokesman, Eniola Akinkuotu, said, “It is true that some administrative activities were affected today (Monday) due to industrial action taken by the unions. However, this has not in any way impacted activities in oil and gas facilities or production in general. The top management of the commission is meeting with the unions in order to put an end to the strike and ultimately restore normalcy.”
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS PAPER
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