The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is set to elect Salimon Oladiti, a former National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, as its new President.

The election, expected to take place on April 24 in Lagos, was announced by the incumbent President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, whose tenure has come to an end after serving two consecutive terms of eight years.

Akporeha announced his exit date during the quarterly National Executive Council meeting of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG held in Warri, Delta state.

His emergence would mark a historic milestone for the union, as it would be the first time a member of the PTD branch would ascend to the presidency of NUPENG.

At the meeting, the Zonal Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, Port Harcourt Zone, Joseph Okafor, moved a motion for the unanimous ratification of Oladiti for the position, which Adekunle Akinlaja of the Lagos Zone seconded.

In what appeared to be valedictory remarks, Akporeha expressed appreciation to members of the PTD branch for their steadfast support throughout his eight-year tenure.

“Eight years ago, you stood by me in this same room. You not only stand by me, you supported me. When things were tough, you were there through all the challenges,” he said.

He explained that his support for a PTD member succeeding him was driven by gratitude and conviction.

“I want to appreciate all of you. If I stand to support one of your own as president, I have no apology. If I have done anything otherwise, my conscience would have troubled me. God used you to install me,” he added.

Akporeha urged members to extend the same level of support to Oladiti and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD Branch, Mathias Ote, to ensure the continued growth and stability of the union.

“By the grace of God, as I move along, I want to see a union stronger than I left it. I don’t want to see PTD go into disarray. The greatest favour you can do is to support this man whom you have elected today as your national chairman.

Also, support your own that will be the president, and by the grace of God, on April 24, when I shall be in your midst again as former president,” he said.

In his inaugural remarks, Ote thanked the union’s leadership and members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide purposeful leadership.

“Sincerely, I appreciate all our members and leaders for finding me worthy to be given the privilege to lead our branch for the next four years.

“You can agree with me that there are so many other capable and competent hands that can lead this great branch, but in your collective wise decision and by the special grace of the Almighty God, I was elected as the branch chairman.

“Comrades, silver nor gold have I none to offer in appreciation of your love, support, prayers, and encouragement towards the success of my election, but what I have, which is good leadership, I will spare nothing in providing for it,” Ote added.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Lawal Othman, commended NUPENG for fostering a peaceful transition process, adding: “I once again want to appreciate NUPENG. NARTO will continue to give you the necessary support.”