NUPRC workers begin nationwide strike, shut down operations

Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down all commission offices across the country over unresolved welfare and administrative grievances.

The industrial action began on Monday morning following a breakdown in negotiations between staff representatives and management over long-standing demands relating to staff welfare, promotions, training opportunities, and institutional governance issues.

Sources said the workers moved to enforce a total shutdown after months of unsuccessful engagements failed to produce a resolution or implementation roadmap.

A key point of contention is the review of the current cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The workers argue that the arrangement weakens the upstream regulator’s operational efficiency and financial capacity.

The striking employees also accused management of neglecting issues around career progression, staff development, and capacity building, affecting both junior and senior personnel within the commission.

They further alleged that the commission’s leadership has adopted an operator-style approach to regulation, which they say has created overlaps in responsibilities within the wider petroleum regulatory framework.

According to the workers, repeated dialogue sessions with management yielded no meaningful progress, leaving them with no option but to withdraw their services nationwide.

“All NUPRC offices in Nigeria are shut,” a source confirmed, adding that the strike covers all major offices and field formations across the country.

However, terminal and essential operational staff have reportedly been exempted, pending further directives depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions.

The shutdown has already disrupted administrative and regulatory activities at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, with operations expected to remain suspended until further notice.

As of press time, management of the NUPRC had yet to issue a detailed official response to the strike or the demands raised by the workers.

The development raises concerns about potential disruptions in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum regulatory operations, at a time when stability in the oil and gas sector remains critical to government revenue and ongoing reforms.