The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has elected Salimon Oladiti as its new president, marking a leadership transition at a critical period for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Oladiti, a former National Trustee of the union, emerged at the 6th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos on Friday. His election places him at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most influential industrial unions, whose decisions often shape labour relations across the petroleum value chain.
Also elected was Akin Oladejo, former Chairman of the union’s Oil and Gas Supply Branch, who will serve as deputy president.
Oladiti assumes office at a time when the downstream and upstream sectors are undergoing significant changes, including refinery expansion, market liberalisation, energy transition pressures and ongoing labour concerns over workers’ welfare, job security and industry reforms.
NUPENG remains a central force in Nigeria’s energy sector, representing thousands of workers across petroleum exploration, refining, distribution and marketing. Its influence extends beyond labour negotiations, often affecting fuel supply stability, logistics operations and broader energy policy conversations.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see how the new leadership navigates emerging challenges, particularly as Nigeria seeks to expand domestic refining capacity, attract fresh investment and reposition its oil and gas sector for long-term sustainability.
The transition also comes at a time when organised labour is expected to play a stronger role in shaping policy discussions around deregulation, local content development and workforce protection in an increasingly competitive energy landscape.