FG Failing in Oil Theft Fight, NUPENG President Warns

Kehinde Fajobi

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen its efforts against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, expressing concerns over what it described as a decline in the intensity of these efforts.

At a meeting of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch in Benin City, Edo State, NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha stressed the importance of tackling oil theft and smuggling, which he said threaten the nation’s economy.

“It is concerning that the government appears to be slowing down its fight against pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“This is a time when these efforts should be intensified. We remain committed to ensuring the uninterrupted distribution of petroleum products across the country,” Akporeha said.

He praised NUPENG’s task forces for their contributions to safeguarding the country’s economic interests by working with agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Despite a lack of government recognition, Akporeha reaffirmed the union’s dedication to protecting national resources.

“Our commitment as patriotic citizens remains unwavering, even without government acknowledgment. We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must continue to support economic growth and protect the nation’s survival,” he added.

Akporeha also criticised the exclusion of NUPENG from the government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, describing the decision as disappointing.

“It is discouraging that the government left NUPENG out of the CNG programme. If this was an oversight, it must be addressed promptly,” he said.

He highlighted the challenges faced by tanker drivers, including the high cost of diesel, poor road conditions, and security risks, calling on the government to urgently address these issues.

Akporeha emphasised the critical role NUPENG members play in maintaining the nation’s energy supply chain and urged the government to recognise their contributions and improve their working conditions.