History Made As President Tinubu Commissions NUPENG Tower In Lagos, Urges Increased Govt, Labour Collaboration In Oil And Gas Industry

Lagos witnessed a historic moment on Wednesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the iconic NUPENG Tower, a landmark achievement by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between the government and industry unions, such as NUPENG and PENGASSAN, to drive the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The event, held at NUPENG’s national headquarters in Jibowu, Lagos, drew commendation for the leadership of NUPENG under Williams Akporeha. Speakers praised the union’s commitment to improving the welfare and socio-economic opportunities for its members and staff.

Addressing attendees, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the pivotal role of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria’s economy, stating, “Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the fortunes of the oil and gas sector. It is incumbent on all stakeholders to collaborate and grow the sector to generate the funds needed to develop other areas of the economy.”

The Minister also described President Tinubu as a strategic asset to the industry, noting his past experience with ExxonMobil. He urged the unions and stakeholders to support the President in delivering the dividends of democracy, emphasizing that recent achievements, such as increasing crude oil production from 1 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day, were made possible through strong collaboration between labor unions and the government.

Senator Lokpobiri commended NUPENG’s leadership for its prudent management of resources, which has significantly improved workers’ welfare.

In his welcome address, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha expressed pride in the realization of a long-standing dream. “The completion of this seven-story edifice signifies not only the growth of NUPENG but also the critical role we play in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. This project was wholly financed by workers’ contributions, reflecting the commitment, dedication, and discipline of our members,” he stated.

Akporeha described the Tower as a symbol of the union’s solidarity and its impact on the nation’s economy. “It is a physical testament to the tireless efforts of our members and their contributions to shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he added.

The commissioning event was attended by prominent figures in the oil and gas industry and labor unions, including Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The milestone was hailed as a testament to resilience and another significant contribution by NUPENG to Nigeria’s economic development.