Operations at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have ground to a halt following an indefinite, nationwide strike declared on Monday by its workforce.
The industrial action, led by the NUPRC branch of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has resulted in the complete closure of the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, alongside all of its regional and field offices across Nigeria.
According to internal sources, the dispute stems from a disagreement between union members and management regarding staff training protocols. The conflict intensified after negotiations collapsed over whether capacity-building initiatives should be held overseas or hosted within the country.
Management reportedly pushed for the training specifically programs covering Factory Acceptance Tests for Positive Displacement (PD) Meters—to be localized.
The leadership argued that moving these sessions to Nigeria would curb operational costs and bolster local institutional capacity. However, the workforce rejected the proposal, insisting on foreign training opportunities.
In a bid to resolve the impasse and restore regulatory oversight to the oil and gas sector, representatives from both PENGASSAN and the NUPRC management are currently holding an emergency meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.
Insiders indicate that a resolution may be reached shortly.
