The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has elected a new national leadership, with Salimon Oladiti emerging as the new president of the powerful oil workers’ union.
Oladiti, a former National Trustee of the union, was elected on Friday during the union’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference, which is currently holding in Lagos. The election brought together delegates from across the country to choose new leaders who will guide the affairs of the union for the next four years.
Also elected at the conference was Akin Oladejo, a former Chairman of the Oil and Gas Supply branch of the union, who now serves as the Deputy President.
The announcement marks a new phase in the leadership of NUPENG, one of the most influential labour unions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
NUPENG plays a key role in the country’s economy because it represents workers involved in the production, distribution, and transportation of petroleum products. These workers are important to Nigeria, which depends heavily on oil revenue for its national income.
Over the years, the union has been known for its strong voice in labour matters, especially on issues affecting workers’ welfare, fuel distribution, safety standards, and pay conditions. It has also been involved in negotiations with government and oil companies during industrial disputes.
The election of new leaders is seen as part of the union’s routine democratic process, which takes place every four years during its delegates conference. At such conferences, representatives from different branches across the country gather to review past activities and choose new national officers.
Although full details of the election process were still being expected at the time of filing this report, the emergence of Oladiti and Oladejo has already been described by insiders as a significant step for the union.
Salimon Oladiti is not new to NUPENG leadership. As a former National Trustee, he has been involved in key decisions of the union and is familiar with its internal structure and long-standing challenges. His election is expected to bring continuity as well as new direction.
Akin Oladejo, the new Deputy President, also brings experience from his time as Chairman of the Oil and Gas Supply branch. This branch plays an important role in the downstream sector, especially in the movement and distribution of petroleum products across the country.
In recent years, workers in the sector have faced concerns such as rising operational costs, safety risks, and changing government policies in the energy industry. There have also been broader national debates about fuel prices, subsidy removal, and deregulation of the downstream sector.
These issues have made the role of NUPENG even more important, as the union often speaks on behalf of workers affected by such policies.
The union has also been part of national discussions on labour rights and economic reforms. Its position on policies such as fuel pricing and privatisation has often drawn public attention, especially during periods of industrial tension.
With the new leadership now in place, members are expected to look forward to stronger representation and better engagement with employers and government.