WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF NUPENG, COMRADE WILLIAMS AKPOREHA, AT THE 2024 NUPENG NATIONAL EDUCATION SEMINAR

Theme: “Climate Change and the World of Work: Issues and Concerns for Consideration”  .

Date: Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024  

Venue: NUPENG Tower, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos

Distinguished Comrades, 

Esteemed Members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NUPENG,  

Captains of Industry, Stakeholders, and Invited Guests,  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the 2024 National Education Seminar of our great union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for honoring our invitation and joining us here at the iconic NUPENG Tower in Lagos.

This year’s seminar is both timely and significant as we gather to deliberate on the theme: “Climate Change and the World of Work: Issues and Concerns for Consideration.” This theme underscores the urgent need to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change—and its far-reaching implications on workers, industries, and society at large.

As workers in the petroleum and natural gas sector, we are uniquely positioned at the crossroads of an evolving global energy landscape and the ongoing battle against climate change. The dialogue we commence here today is vital to ensuring that the voices of workers are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping sustainable policies and practices.

Distinguished Participants, the reality of climate change is undeniable. Rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and an increased frequency of natural disasters are disrupting lives and livelihoods. While governments and corporations focus on strategies to mitigate its impact, we must not forget the critical intersection of climate change and the world of work.

This seminar aims to explore the profound implications of climate change on our sector and to answer some critical questions:

• How do we ensure that the transition to cleaner and greener energy sources is just and equitable for workers in the petroleum and natural gas industry?

• What role do trade unions, such as NUPENG, play in advocating for sustainable practices while safeguarding the rights and welfare of our members?

• How can we proactively prepare for the shifts in job demands and skill requirements that are inevitable in a low-carbon economy?

• And perhaps most importantly, how do we align our activities with global sustainability goals without compromising the dignity of labor?

Comrades and participants, this seminar is not just a gathering of minds but a platform to harness our collective insights, share experiences, and develop actionable strategies that address the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment while ensuring that workers are not left behind in the global shift towards sustainable development.

I urge you all to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by this seminar. Equip yourselves with the relevant knowledge to navigate the evolving world of work and share these insights with your various branches to benefit all members.

In conclusion, let me reiterate that the outcome of this seminar will not be mere academic exercises. The resolutions we arrive at will serve as a compass for our union’s advocacy, policy interventions, and capacity-building efforts in the coming years. We must remain steadfast in our resolve to champion a future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand.

On behalf of the leadership of NUPENG, I express my profound gratitude to our organizing committee for their hard work and dedication in putting this event together. I also acknowledge our esteemed resource persons and panelists for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with us.

Once again, I welcome you all to this pivotal seminar. Together, let us rise to the occasion, engage robustly, and leave here with actionable solutions to the pressing issues before us.

Thank you, and I wish you a productive and enlightening seminar.

Long live NUPENG!  

Long live the Nigerian Worker!  

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!  

Workers United Can Never Be Defeated!!

Thank you.

Comrade Williams Akporeha

NUPENG National President