Normal operations have resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) following the suspension of a one-day warning strike by workers that briefly disrupted administrative activities across the agency’s offices nationwide.
The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, was driven by concerns over staff welfare, career progression, training opportunities and issues relating to institutional governance within the commission.
Workers had also called for a review of the commission’s funding structure, arguing that the current allocation framework under the petroleum regulatory system was limiting the agency’s operational effectiveness and financial sustainability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NUPRC announced that the strike was suspended after successful negotiations between management and the commission’s in-house unions — the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
According to the commission, the warning strike lasted for approximately 12 hours and affected only administrative functions, while regulatory oversight activities and oil and gas production operations continued without interruption.
The NUPRC also dismissed reports suggesting that crude oil production was impacted by the industrial action or that the dispute was primarily centred on foreign training opportunities for staff members.
Speaking on the development, the commission’s spokesman, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the regulator remains committed to improving staff welfare, enhancing career development opportunities and creating a more conducive work environment in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
He assured employees that management is addressing the concerns raised during the dispute and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prioritising capacity building, professional development and institutional growth across the organisation.
The suspension of the strike has restored normal operations across the commission’s offices, while discussions between management and labour representatives are expected to continue on outstanding issues.
