Nigeria: NUPRC Operations Grounded As Staff Embark On Indefinite Strike

Operations of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have been paralysed nationwide following an indefinite strike declared by staff on Monday over unresolved concerns.

The industrial action, according to multiple reports, follows a breakdown in negotiations between NUPRC management and workers over overseas training opportunities for staff.

Reports indicate that management has decided to prioritise local training programmes over foreign capacity-building initiatives, arguing that conducting specialised training within Nigeria would reduce costs while strengthening domestic institutional capacity.

However, the workers rejected the move, leading to the declaration of an indefinite strike and the disruption of operations across the commission’s offices nationwide.

According to a report by Premiumnewsng.com, which quoted a staff member of the commission, “We shut down the headquarters and the field offices of the commission across the country over a dispute concerning foreign training programmes.”

Confirming the development, the Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the disruption was limited to some administrative functions and had not affected the nation’s oil and gas production activities.

“It is true that some administrative activities were affected today due to industrial action taken by the unions. However, this has not in any way impacted activities in oil and gas facilities or production in general,” Akinkuotu said.

He added that the commission’s leadership had already opened discussions with the unions to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.

“The top management of the commission is meeting with the unions in order to put an end to the strike and ultimately restore normalcy,” he stated.

Industry observers warn that a prolonged shutdown of the regulator could disrupt critical approvals, inspections, and oversight functions in the upstream sector, potentially affecting oil production timelines and investor confidence.

The outcome of the ongoing negotiations is being closely watched, with expectations that a resolution may be reached soon to restore operations at the commission.