The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is one of Nigeria’s most influential labour unions, representing thousands of workers in the oil and gas industry. While NUPENG has been a strong advocate for workers’ rights, its actions have sometimes raised questions about whether it operates within or beyond its legal boundaries. This article explores NUPENG’s constitutional and unconstitutional rights, using real-life examples to show how the union’s activities impact Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
NUPENG’s Constitutional Rights: What the Law Allows
Under Nigerian law, NUPENG has certain rights to protect workers and ensure fair treatment in the oil and gas industry. These rights are enshrined in the Trade Unions Act and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. They include:
- Right to Organise and Bargain Collectively:
NUPENG has the legal right to bring workers together and negotiate with employers for better pay, working conditions, and benefits. This is a key part of its role as a union. - Right to Strike:
If talks with employers fail, NUPENG can legally call for a strike. However, the union must follow due process, such as issuing a 21-day strike notice and ensuring the action is peaceful. - Right to Represent Workers:
NUPENG can stand up for its members in disputes with employers or government agencies. This includes filing grievances, participating in mediation, or seeking legal redress when necessary. - Right to Advocate for Policy Changes:
The union can push for better policies in the oil and gas sector, such as improved safety standards, fair wages, and the enforcement of Nigeria’s Local Content Policy.
Examples of NUPENG’s Constitutional Actions
- 2024 Nationwide Strike:
In March 2024, NUPENG declared a nationwide strike to protest unpaid salaries and poor working conditions for oil workers. The strike, which followed all legal steps, was widely supported and led to better pay and conditions for many workers. - Advocacy for Local Content Policy:
Throughout 2024 and 2025, NUPENG has been a strong supporter of Nigeria’s Local Content Policy, which ensures that Nigerian workers and resources are prioritised in the oil and gas industry. This has created more jobs for Nigerians and boosted the local economy.
NUPENG’s Unconstitutional Actions: When the Union Oversteps
While NUPENG has done a lot of good, there have been times when its actions have been seen as overstepping the law. These include:
- Unauthorised Strikes:
In some cases, NUPENG has called for strikes without following due process, such as failing to issue the required notice or allowing protests to turn violent. These actions can disrupt the economy and hurt ordinary Nigerians. - Interfering in Non-Union Disputes:
NUPENG has sometimes gotten involved in disputes that don’t directly concern its members, such as conflicts between contractors and subcontractors. This can create unnecessary tension and complicate matters. - Political Involvement:
Critics have accused NUPENG of taking sides in politics, using its influence to support or oppose certain candidates or policies. This can make the union seem less focused on workers’ rights and more like a political player.
Examples of NUPENG’s Unconstitutional Actions
- 2024 Blockade of Fuel Depots:
In August 2024, NUPENG members blockaded several fuel depots to protest alleged unfair treatment by oil marketers. The action, which was carried out without proper notice, caused fuel shortages across the country and drew criticism from the public and government. - Interference in Contractual Disputes in 2025:
In February 2025, NUPENG stepped into a dispute between an oil company and its subcontractors, demanding the reinstatement of laid-off workers. Many saw this as overreach, as the dispute didn’t directly involve NUPENG members.
The Impact of NUPENG’s Actions on Nigeria
NUPENG’s constitutional actions have brought real benefits to oil and gas workers, improving their pay, safety, and job security. However, its unconstitutional activities have sometimes caused problems, such as fuel shortages and disruptions in the oil sector. These actions can hurt the economy and make life harder for ordinary Nigerians.
For example, the 2024 blockade of fuel depots led to a 15% increase in fuel prices across Nigeria, affecting transportation costs and the prices of goods and services. Similarly, the union’s interference in contractual disputes in 2025 created tension between oil companies and their partners, delaying projects and reducing production.
What Can Be Done?
To maintain its credibility and effectiveness, NUPENG needs to focus on its core mission: protecting workers’ rights. The union should avoid overstepping its legal boundaries and ensure that its actions are always in line with the law. At the same time, the government and employers must address workers’ grievances promptly to prevent unnecessary strikes and protests.
NUPENG plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, fighting for the rights of workers and pushing for better policies. However, the union must be careful not to overstep its legal limits, as this can harm the economy and damage its reputation. By sticking to its constitutional rights and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, NUPENG can continue to be a strong voice for workers while keeping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector stable.
