The Federal Government, labour leaders, and critical stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have commended the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for constructing a new headquarters.

Named ‘NUPENG Tower’, the seven-floor complex symbolises strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people, the oil and gas industry and the future of the country.

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said the massive edifice would improve work efficiency and productivity, even as he urged other labour unions to emulate NUPENG.  He pledged to deepen relationships with unions in the sector for optimal growth and industrial harmony.

Minister of Labour and Employment Maigari Dingyadi, also represented by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Amos Falonipe, said the tower would enhance the operational efficiency of members. He urged NUPENG to use it to promote equity, fairness, social justice and also industrial peace and harmony in the sector.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, while appreciating the sustained partnership between the firm and organised labour, recalled when he, as a unionist, contested for elections to become NUPENG president but was unsuccessful.

Describing NUPENG as his home, Kyari appreciated the level of change that had occurred during the space of time. According to him, the huge edifice will enhance workers’ performance now that they have a better conducive work environment.

Similarly, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, also recalled how the union was financially incapacitated in 1993 and 1994, while in a rented apartment, stating that the greatness of NUPENG has manifested.

Emphasising that the structure is currently the biggest edifice in the industrial union, he said the structure was an example of how labour can galvanise its finances for the benefit of members.

Also, the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, said since its inception in 1978, both unions have worked together for the betterment of the oil and gas sector and the nation at large.

National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, said the commissioning marked the realisation of a long-held dream and a monumental achievement for the union, which not only signifies the union’s growth and advancement, but the vital role the union plays in the advancement of the nation’s oil and gas industry.

He attributed the achievement to the tireless efforts of all its members, whose service and dedication have helped shape the course of the country’s oil and gas industry.