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…Inaugurates tower
By Bimbola Oyesola
Workers in the downstream sector of the economy have urged stakeholders, including government and industry players, to collaborate in creating a sustainable and equitable energy sector for Nigeria.
The workers, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), at the unveiling of a state-of-the-art seven-storey building that will serve as the union’s national secretariat in Lagos, called on all the stakeholders in the industry to work hand in hand in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The union’s president, Williams Akporeha, emphasised that the union’s vision extended beyond the inauguration of physical structures.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in NUPENG’s history, I call on all of us, including government, industry and labour, to work hand in hand in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape,” he said.
Akporeha, described the tower as a “monumental achievement and a testament to the union’s strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the oil and gas sector and Nigeria’s future.”
He noted that the project, wholly financed through workers’ contributions, underscored the union’s financial discipline and prudence.
“This tower is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a physical manifestation of the tireless efforts of every single member of NUPENG whose services and dedication have helped shape the course of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. It is a beacon that tells the world that we are not only a powerful voice in the labour movement but also an integral part of Nigeria’s economic and industrial transformation,” Akporeha said.
He also outlined NUPENG’s commitment to advancing technology, prioritising worker safety, and championing policies that ensure the benefits of the oil and gas industry are widely shared.
“Let us commit ourselves to policies that not only foster the growth of the industry but also ensure that the benefits of this growth reach every Nigerian,” he added.
The ceremony also highlighted NUPENG’s role as a vital player in Nigeria’s energy sector. For over four decades, the union has championed workers’ rights, negotiated fair wages, and ensured safe working conditions across the petroleum and natural gas industries.
Akporeha praised the collective efforts of NUPENG’s leadership and members in actualising the milestone, including Afolabi Olawole, NUPENG’s general secretary, and Otunba Salimon Oladiti, national trustee, for their steadfast dedication to the project. “May posterity be kind to you all,” he said.
The edifice, hailed as a symbol of unity and progress, was inaugurated during a grand ceremony on Wednesday that was attended by key stakeholders from the oil and gas industry, labour unions and government representatives.
