NUPRC Workers Suspend Strike, Resume Nationwide Operations

Work has fully resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) after workers suspended the strike that shut the commission’s offices across the country on Monday, June 1.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday (today), saying the industrial action was called off after successful discussions between its management and the workers’ unions.

Naija News reports that the strike had earlier grounded administrative activities at NUPRC offices nationwide following disagreement between staff representatives and management over welfare, governance, promotion and training-related issues.

The workers had downed tools after negotiations collapsed over concerns bordering on institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions and capacity-building opportunities.

Among the issues raised by the workers was a demand for a review of the current cost-of-collection structure.

They particularly complained about the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which they argued had weakened the operational efficiency and financial capacity of the upstream regulator.

The aggrieved workers also accused the commission of adopting what they described as an operator-style approach to regulation, saying it created overlaps in responsibilities within the broader petroleum regulatory framework.

They further demanded remuneration comparable to what is obtained across the oil and gas industry.

The workers also expressed concern over what they described as poor attention to staff development, career progression and capacity building within the commission.

Providing an update on Tuesday, the NUPRC said the strike had been suspended after talks with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the commission, Eniola Akinkuotu, the NUPRC said, “Work has fully resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission following the suspension of the one-day strike called by workers’ unions.

“The industrial action was called off on the night of June 1, 2026, after successful negotiations between the top management of the NUPRC and the two in-house unions, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.”

The commission said the strike lasted for only 12 hours and affected only administrative work.

It added that regulatory oversight of oil and gas facilities continued during the period.

“The strike, which lasted for 12 hours, affected only administrative work while regulatory activities in oil and gas facilities remained unaffected,” the statement noted.

NUPRC Denies Crude Production Disruption

The commission also dismissed reports suggesting that the strike disrupted crude oil production.

It said operational staff were exempted from the industrial action, adding that oil and gas production activities were not affected by the shutdown of administrative offices.

The regulator also denied claims that the dispute was mainly about foreign training opportunities.

“The commission, therefore, calls on members of the public to disregard false reports on crude oil production disruptions as well as misleading publications stating that the disagreement centred on foreign training,” Akinkuotu stated.

The NUPRC said it would continue to engage workers and address concerns raised by the unions.

It also promised to improve the operating environment for its workforce and give more attention to staff development in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

“Lastly, the NUPRC promised to improve the operating environment of its workforce and prioritise staff development in line with the Petroleum Industry Act,” the statement added.