WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY COMRADE (PRINCE) WILLIAMS ENIREDONANA AKPOREHA, THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF NUPENG AT THE GRAND COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF NUPENG NATIONAL SECRETARIAT “NUPENG TOWER”, JIBOWU, YABA, LAGOS, ON WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2024

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Captains of the Oil and Gas Industry, Comrades, members of the Press, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with immense pride, profound gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on this historic occasion—the commissioning of the NUPENG Tower, our newly completed 7-story office Tower. This is not just a building; it is a symbol of our strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people, the oil and gas industry, and to the future of our beloved nation.

I extend my warmest greetings to the esteemed President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), who is unavoidably absent due to greater National  but delegated a very high profile federal govt functionary in the person of our highly respected Hon. Minister of State (oil) Ministry of  Petroleum Resources, Heineken  to represent him. We welcome you sir. We want to also appreciate  our distinguished Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Governor Sanwoolu, our Chief host and great enabler of this wonderful edifice, though also on impromptu national assignment, delegated his Commissioner for Energy, Delta State Governor my own Governor Olorogun Sheriff Oborebwori also sent a high powered delegation led by Delta State Commissioner for Finance, our Mentor and friend Most Senior Comrade Mele Kolo Kyari  Sir, Pa Imodu of our time, fighter and number one worker Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of Nigeria Labour Congress, my friend  Big Brother and Boss Comrade Festus Osifo, the President of PENGASSAN and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, our highly revered Traditional Rulers present Religious leaders, Trade Unions Veterans, past  Presidents, General Secretaries and other leaders of NUPENG, and all the dignitaries present today, including our colleagues from various trade unions, captains of industry, and leaders in the downstream and upstream oil and gas sector. Your presence here today is a testament to the importance of our work and the shared vision of building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

Today marks the realization of a long-held dream and a monumental achievement for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The completion of this 7-floor edifice signifies not only the growth and advancement of NUPENG but also the vital role we play in the advancement of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

This new National Secretariat of our great Union, suitably named ‘NUPENG TOWER” is in fulfilment of the mandate given to our regime by our teaming membership at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of our Union which was chaired by our highly respected Nonagenarian Gen Yakubu Gowon Rtd., a former Head of state and commander-in-Chief of Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in December 2018 in Abuja. The mandate is being fulfilled in less than six years due to our collective financial discipline and prudency. This project was wholly financed from workers contributions and we are proud of the commitment, dedication and discipline of our rank and file members.

A SYMBOL OF UNITY, STRENGTH AND PROGRESS

This Tower is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a physical manifestation of the tireless efforts of every single member of NUPENG, whose services and dedication have helped shape the course of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. It is a testament to the spirit of solidarity that defines our Union and the workers who are the heartbeat of our economy.

For over four decades, NUPENG has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of workers in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. From negotiating fair wages and safe working conditions to pushing for sustainable policies that ensure the continued growth of the industry, our union has been a voice for the voiceless, a protector of the vulnerable, and a champion of justice.

This Tower is a beacon that tells the world that we are not only a powerful voice in the labor movement but also an integral part of Nigeria’s economic and industrial transformation.

IMPACT OF NUPENG ON NIGERIA

NUPENG’s contributions to the Nigerian economy cannot be overstated. The oil and gas sector remains the backbone of our national revenue, and it is the workers, represented by NUPENG, who fuel this engine of growth. As we stand here today, we celebrate not just the building we inaugurate, but the progress we have made together as a nation.

Through our dedication and hard work, we have ensured that Nigeria remains a leading player in the global energy market. Whether in the upstream, midstream, or downstream sectors, NUPENG workers are the ones who keep the wheels of our energy sector turning, despite challenges and adversities. We are the men and women who ensure that the lights stay on, that the economy thrives, and that Nigeria’s place on the global energy stage remains secure.

As we reflect on our accomplishments, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. The road to a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous energy sector for Nigeria remains long, but we are up to the task. With unity, dedication, and a shared vision, we can overcome any obstacle.

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS

I would like to take this moment to thank the Government of Nigeria, being ably led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its unwavering support for the oil and gas industry and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Your policies have helped pave the way for growth and development, but the work does not stop here. We must work together to ensure that Nigeria’s energy future is sustainable, inclusive, and equitable for all Nigerians.

To our industry partners in the downstream sector, we appreciate your collaboration and shared commitment to the success of our industry. The challenges of today require collective effort, and we must continue to strengthen our partnerships to ensure that our sector remains globally competitive and capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians.

A CALL TO ACTION: BUILDING THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA

As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in NUPENG’s history, I call on all of us—government, industry, and labor—to work hand in hand in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape. Let us commit ourselves to policies that not only foster the growth of the industry but also ensure that the benefits of this growth reach every Nigerian. Let us continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, uphold safety standards, and invest in the development of skills and technology that will drive us toward a more sustainable future.

NUPENG has always been about more than just negotiations and contracts. We are about people. We are about ensuring that the workers who power this nation receive the dignity, respect, and fair compensation they deserve. We are about creating an environment where prosperity is shared by all. As we look toward the future, I am confident that we will continue to rise, evolve, and meet the challenges of tomorrow with the same determination that has defined us for over 40 years.

IN CONCLUSION

Permit me on behalf of National Executive council to specially appreciate our erudite and pragmatic workaholic General Secretary, my friend, Comrade Afolabi Olawole who took this project personal and was our pillar of strength during this period. It’s also very necessary I recognize the great commitment and efforts of my SUPER Comrade Otunba Salimon Oladiti National trustee of NUPENG who exhibited strong will and determination towards attainment of project during his reign as Chairman of our great petroleum Tanker Driver Branch . And also  not leaving behind the  recognition of the commitment  shown are  the Headquarter secretariat staff who toiled stood firm and joined in the supervision of the project. May posterity be kind to you all.

The completed NUPENG Tower stands as a tribute to the dedication of the workers who have built this country and the vision of those who continue to fight for a better future. It symbolizes our commitment to excellence, progress, and unity.

As we commission this Tower today, let us redouble our efforts in building not just physical structures but also the enduring legacy of a just, prosperous, and equitable Nigeria.

Thank you all for your continued support, your partnership, and your belief in the future of NUPENG and Nigeria. Together, we will continue to achieve great things.

Our Solidarity remains Constant!  For the Union makes us Strong!!

Once again, we thank you all for coming and pray that God grants you all journey mercies to your various destinations.

Long live NUPENG!

Long live Nigeria Labour Congress!!

Long live Federal republic of Nigeria!!!

Thank you.

 

COMRADE (PRINCE) WILLIAM ENIREDONANA AKPOREHA

PRESIDENT OF NUPENG