As Tinubu Gets Set To Commission NUPENG Headquarters

By Gidado Ibrahim

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to giving good governance his best shot is evident in his efforts to engage with critical stakeholders, such as Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and address the complex challenges facing the country. By taking a proactive and inclusive approach to governance, he is demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians and driving sustainable development.

As he prepares to commission the new national headquarters of NUPENG, it is essential to highlight the significance of this event and the importance of the union in Nigeria’s economy.

With over 40 years of history, NUPENG is one of Nigeria’s prominent trade unions, affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Industrial Global Union. The union has consistently advocated workers’ rights and better working conditions in the oil and gas sector. Over the years, NUPENG has been at the forefront of championing the interests of its members, negotiating with employers and the government to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

NUPENG is the only organisation that collaborated with all anti-graft agencies to end crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and fuel subsidy scams, just to make sure President Tinubu succeeds in his ongoing oil sector reforms. The organisation jumped into the governance arena where it is working closely with the Tinubu administration to fight corruption, crude oil theft, as well as promote President Tinubu’s economic policies and oil sector reforms.

As a critical stakeholder who has embarked on intense and wider research of both European and African countries, I can authoritatively state that among organizations of petroleum and natural gas workers, Nigeria’s NUPENG headquarters is considered the best in the ECOWAS region. In terms of decision making, apart from Geneva where NUPENG’s global headquarters is situated and Saudi Arabia, Nigeria’s chapter of NUPENG is the next major contributor of ideas and meaningful inputs to the global body.

NUPENG from all these countries, including Geneva, will be in Nigeria for the commissioning of the organisation’s national headquarters in Lagos on December 4, 2024. It is morally and officially proper that our country’s president who doubles as the minister of Petroleum Resources is on ground to carry out the commissioning by himself. That’s the only favour our leader, President Tinubu, can do to NUPENG.

The commissioning of the NUPENG headquarters by President Tinubu will be a significant gesture, demonstrating his commitment to working closely with critical stakeholders in the economy. even in Geneva our country president and the minister of petroleum, ekabo that’s only favou our leader shall render to Nupeng

This partnership is crucial, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing fuel crisis and other challenges in the oil and gas sector. By engaging with NUPENG, President Tinubu can tap into the union’s expertise and knowledge of the industry, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

NUPENG has a rich history of collaborating with Nigerian presidents, having conferred its national Grand Patron title on every president, including President Tinubu. This tradition underscores the union’s commitment to working with the government to advance the interests of not just its members but the entire nation. By conferring this title on President Tinubu, NUPENG is signaling its willingness to work with his administration to address the challenges facing the oil and gas sector.

As President Tinubu works towards actualizing his Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of 2027, NUPENG can play a vital role in supporting his efforts. The union’s expertise and influence in the oil and gas sector can help the government develop and implement effective policies to address the challenges facing the industry. Furthermore, NUPENG’s extensive network of members and affiliates can provide valuable feedback and insights into the impact of government policies on the sector.

Moreover, a close working relationship between President Tinubu and NUPENG can help prevent the union from being hijacked by failed politicians who might seek to use it for their own interests. Engaging with NUPENG and other critical stakeholders means that President Tinubu can build a broad coalition of support for his policies and programs. This can help to reduce the risk of industrial disputes and conflicts, creating a more stable and conducive environment for investment and economic growth.

In addition, the commissioning of the NUPENG headquarters by President Tinubu can help to boost investor confidence in the oil and gas sector. By demonstrating his commitment to working with critical stakeholders, President Tinubu can signal to investors that his administration is serious about creating a stable and conducive environment for investment. This can help to attract the much-needed investment in the oil sector, driving growth and development in the economy.

Needless to reiterate that NUPENG is an indispensable stakeholder in the Nigerian economy, as smooth transport system plays a vital role in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s development. A well-functioning transport system is essential for economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.

The transport system facilitates the movement of goods, services, and people, which is essential for economic growth. It enables businesses to transport their goods to markets efficiently, reducing costs and increasing productivity. This, in turn, creates jobs in the transportation sector, including driving, logistics, and maintenance. It also creates jobs in industries that rely on transportation, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

A smooth transport system also improves access to education, healthcare, and other social services. It enables people to travel to schools, hospitals, and other essential services, which is particularly important for rural communities. This can lead to improved health outcomes, increased educational attainment, and a better quality of life for Nigerians.

Furthermore, a well-functioning transport system can reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. For example, a smooth transport system can encourage the use of public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote the use of cleaner fuels. This can help to reduce air pollution, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote sustainable development.

In addition, a smooth transport system is essential for food security, as it enables farmers to transport their produce to markets efficiently. This reduces food waste, increases food availability, and improves food security. It also enables businesses to transport their goods to markets efficiently, reducing costs and increasing productivity.

There are loads benefits of collaboration between President Tinubu and NUPENG, leading to a positive impact on the oil and gas sector, the economy, and the Nigerian people. Some of the benefits of collaboration include. Collaboration between the government and NUPENG can lead to better-informed policy decisions that take into account the needs and concerns of workers in the oil and gas sector.

President Tinubu’s administration would greatly benefit from a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging various sectors and actors to work together towards achieving the country’s development goals.

This collaborative approach is essential in addressing complex challenges, such as those in the oil and gas sector, where NUPENG plays a crucial role. By engaging with NUPENG and other stakeholders, Tinubu can tap into their expertise and knowledge, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

A multi-stakeholder approach also promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, ensuring that all parties are working towards the same goals. This can help to build trust and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.

The Tinubu administration has made significant strides in various sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the country. His commitment to transforming Nigeria and improving the lives of its citizens is evident in the numerous policies and initiatives implemented by his government.

One of the notable achievements of the Tinubu administration is the investment in infrastructure development. This includes roads, bridges, railways, and airports, which have improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth. The administration has also implemented reforms in the power sector, aimed at increasing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, to meet the country’s growing energy needs.

In conclusion, the commissioning of the NUPENG headquarters by President Tinubu is a significant event that underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and critical stakeholders in the economy. As NUPENG continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, its partnership with President Tinubu can help drive progress and development in the industry.

By working together, the government and NUPENG can create a more stable and conducive environment for investment and economic growth, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people.

NUPENG was the first organisation to reach out to the president immediately after his election, declaring mass support for him without fear or favour. Since then, the union has kept faith by always rejecting any form of industrial action or protest masterminded by oil and industry cabals to undermine the Tinubu administration.