On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Executive President warmly felicitates with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

This day stands as a profound milestone for national introspection, gratitude, and honouring the enduring sacrifices that have sustained our democracy. NUPENG recalls with deep pride and a sense of historic fulfilment the patriotic struggles with our great Union in the frontlines alongside other democrats, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the late Comrade Frank Kokori, and countless other heroes, whose collective resolve compelled the military back to the barracks. That struggle bore fruit in 1999 with the restoration of civilian rule, not without deep scars, but every sacrifice was worthwhile.

This year’s celebration, 2026, marks exactly 27 unbroken years of democratic governance and the third year for the present administration – a period that has ushered in far-reaching positive reforms, particularly in the oil and gas sector, the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

Your Excellency, we salute your courage and foresight in removing the fuel subsidy, a policy long plagued by deep-seated irregularities that held the nation hostage for decades, which previous administrations lacked the political will to dismantle. We also commend the signing of the Executive Order reforming the oil and gas industry that has enhanced fiscal transparency and boost government revenue, alongside the Gas-Power and CNG initiatives, as Nigeria transitions to cleaner, cheaper energy to drive industrialization. Furthermore, we applaud the massive ongoing infrastructural development, including the coastal highway and numerous interstate road projects, as well as the tax reforms. These bold measures affirm that Nigeria is moving decisively in the right direction.

Yet, we acknowledge that with every rebirth comes pain and difficulty, evident in the current inflationary pressures. The urgent challenge of insecurity also demands a declaration of a state of emergency. Farmers are being denied access to their fields, students are being kidnapped, and our tanker drivers cannot safely access certain parts of the country due to threats of violence and kidnapping for ransom.

Your Excellency, this security crisis risks undermining the positive, visible impacts of your otherwise commendable reforms.

NUPENG remains steadfast in its support for democracy and your positive reforms. Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, congratulations Nigeria. Together, we secured this democracy; and together, by pooling our collective energies, we can steer the nation decisively towards industrialization and shared prosperity.

Our Solidarity Remains Constant for the Union Makes us Strong!

FOR: NIGERIA UNION OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS WORKERS