The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has elected Salimon Oladiti as its new national president, succeeding Williams Akporeha, who completed an eight-year tenure.

Oladiti, a former National Trustee of the union, was elected during NUPENG’s 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos. He is expected to serve a four-year term at the helm of the union.

The conference also produced Akin Oladejo as deputy president. He previously served as Chairman of the union’s Oil and Gas Supply Branch.

The new leadership assumes office at a time of significant changes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including refinery expansion, market reforms, and ongoing concerns over workers’ welfare and job security.

In his farewell address, Akporeha raised concerns over rising insecurity in the country, warning that it is increasingly affecting economic activity and discouraging investment in the sector. He cited growing incidents of petroleum truck hijacking and kidnapping, noting that workers now spend more on personal security due to safety risks.

He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen funding and equipment for security agencies to improve their response to criminal activities. Additionally, he highlighted the poor condition of major petroleum distribution routes, stating that deteriorating roads worsen operational challenges, especially during the rainy season.

Other delegates at the conference echoed similar concerns, warning that insecurity could undermine Nigeria’s economic stability if not urgently addressed.

Akporeha urged the incoming leadership to prioritise workers’ welfare, uphold union principles, and continue defending labour rights and fairness within the petroleum industry.