NUPRC Staff Launch Nationwide Strike Over Training Issues

Staff of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, primarily due to grievances regarding foreign training programs. The strike resulted in a total shutdown of regulatory activities at NUPRC headquarters in Abuja and field offices across the country.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) confirmed the strike action, which significantly impacted administrative operations but did not affect oil and gas production facilities. Negotiations between the union and NUPRC management broke down, particularly concerning the management's stance on conducting local training instead of overseas programs.

The union insisted on local capacity building to reduce costs and strengthen local institutions. A meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) was reported, with hopes of reaching a resolution.

The strike follows a recent review of operations in the oil and gas sector, which declared that royalty payments and petroleum profit tax would be paid directly to the federal account.