THE HISTORIC JOURNEY OF NUPENG TOWER
On October 4, 2018, just five months into the administration of Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha and his team, NUPENG members gathered in Abuja to commemorate the Union’s 40th anniversary. This significant occasion brought together veterans and current members to reflect on NUPENG’s history and challenges. It was during this historic gathering that a unanimous resolution was reached; the union needed a modern, befitting secretariat to meet its growing administrative and operational demands.
Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, known for his visionary leadership, took on the challenge with unwavering determination, promising to deliver a national secretariat that would serve as a symbol of pride for the Union.
Historically, NUPENG’s Secretariat had humble beginnings. From its initial location at 50A Kano Crescent, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, it moved in March 1980 to 2 Jeminatu Braimoh Close, Surulere—both rented spaces fraught with limitations. Following the Union’s return from proscription during the Abacha regime, under the leadership of Comrades Brisibe Awe and the late Frank Ovie Kokori, the Union made a bold move in 2000, acquiring and renovating a property at 9 Jibowu Street, Yaba, Lagos named NUPENG House. It served as the Secretariat for 18 years before the aging structure began showing signs of inadequacy, prompting the need for a more fitting facility.
At the Union’s 40th Anniversary celebration, the mandate for a new secretariat was formalized, inspiring Comrade Akporeha and his team to conceptualize a monumental seven-story structure “the NUPENG Tower”. This ambitious project symbolized the Union’s evolution and commitment to building a lasting legacy. The team embarked on the demolition of NUPENG House to make way for this modern masterpiece, setting a rigorous and transparent tender process that culminated in awarding the contract to Messrs Telisol Nigeria Limited, a firm renowned for its technical expertise and competitive pricing.
The groundbreaking ceremony in August 2020 marked the beginning of an unwavering commitment to the project. Dignitaries from the oil and gas industry, representatives of the Lagos State Government, and Union members witnessed the symbolic start of construction. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic turbulence, construction proceeded with remarkable determination.
Today, NUPENG Tower stands tall, a landmark that redefines the Lagos mainland skyline. Visible from miles away, the imposing structure epitomizes resilience and collective willpower.
On December 13, 2023, Messrs Telisol Nigeria Limited officially handed over the keys to the completed edifice to NUPENG’s leadership, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Finally, on December 4, 2024, the NUPENG Tower was formally commissioned, heralding a new era for the Union.
This ultra-modern architectural masterpiece—the first of its kind among trade union secretariats in Nigeria—embodies the foresight and steadfast leadership of Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, General Secretary Comrade Afolabi Olawale, the National Executive Council, and the unwavering support of the Union’s branches and members, especially the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch.
The NUPENG Tower is not merely a building; it is a testament to the Union’s rich history, resilience, and unwavering commitment to its members—a legacy for generations to come.