Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have announced the commencement of indefinite strike.
The workers shut down all commission’s offices across the country and the reason for their action stems from unresolved welfare and administrative grievances.
The industrial action began on Monday morning following a breakdown in negotiations between staff representatives and management over long-standing demands relating to staff welfare, promotions, training opportunities, and institutional governance issues.
Informed source said the workers moved to enforce a total shutdown after months of unsuccessful engagements failed to produce a resolution or implementation roadmap.
A key point of contention is the review of the current cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The workers argue that the arrangement weakens the upstream regulator’s operational efficiency and financial capacity.
The striking employees also accused management of neglecting issues around career progression, staff development, and capacity building, affecting both junior and senior personnel within the commission.
They further alleged that the commission’s leadership has adopted an operator-style approach to regulation, which they say has created overlaps in responsibilities within the wider petroleum regulatory framework.
According to the workers, repeated dialogue sessions with management yielded no meaningful progress, leaving them with no option but to withdraw their services nationwide.
“All NUPRC offices in Nigeria are shut,” a source confirmed, adding that the strike covers all major offices and field formations across the country.
Nick Udenta
