The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is set to elect Salimon Akanni Oladiti as its new President on April 24, marking a historic moment for the union. Oladiti, a former Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch (PTD-NUPENG) and current National Trustee, will become the first member of the PTD branch to ascend to the union’s top leadership position.
The announcement came during the Quarterly National Executive Council meeting of the PTD-NUPENG in Warri, Delta State, where incumbent President Williams Akporeha declared his intention to step down. Akporeha’s endorsement of Oladiti was met with unanimous support from union members, with Comrade Joseph Okafor of the Port Harcourt Zone moving the motion for ratification and Comrade Adekunle Akinlaja of the Lagos Zone seconding it.
Akporeha, who led NUPENG for eight years, expressed deep gratitude to the PTD branch for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. “Eight years ago, you stood by me in this same room. You didn’t only stand by me; you supported me. When things were tough, you were there through all the challenges,” he said. He emphasized that his backing of a PTD member to succeed him was a matter of principle and conscience. “If I stand to support one of your own as president, I have no apology. If I had done anything otherwise, my conscience would have troubled me. God used you to install me.”
The election, scheduled to take place in Lagos, is expected to solidify Oladiti’s leadership and bring a new chapter for NUPENG, particularly for the PTD branch, which has long been a vital part of the union’s operations. Oladiti’s rise to the presidency is seen as a reward for the loyalty and dedication of the tanker drivers, who play a crucial role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
As NUPENG prepares for this leadership transition, the union’s members and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Oladiti’s presidency shapes the future of the organization and its influence within the industry.
