The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), a pivotal force in the nation’s petroleum and energy sector, has reaffirmed its influence on national development during a high-profile meeting with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Led by its newly elected President, Comrade (Otunba, Dr.) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), the NUPENG delegation included union executives and former General Secretary Comrade Joseph Iranola Akinlaja. The visit underscored the union’s enduring role in advancing workers’ rights, fighting casualization, promoting education and skills development, and safeguarding labor interests across Nigeria.
President Tinubu congratulated Comrade Oladiti on his emergence as NUPENG President, describing the union as “the most powerful and influential in Sub-Saharan Africa.” He also paid glowing tributes to Comrade Akinlaja and the late Comrade (Chief) Frank Ovie Kokori, lauding their courage in defending democracy during Nigeria’s military era despite imprisonment and repression.
The President assured that Nigeria’s refineries would not be allowed to waste away, promising restructuring and leadership reforms to ensure profitability. He also pledged to review constitutional issues surrounding local government autonomy and called for patience among stakeholders.
On energy transition, Tinubu promised NUPENG executives greater inclusion in the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), urging them to ensure the benefits reach ordinary commuters.
However, the presence of Comrade Joseph Akinlaja at the Villa significantly added a nostalgic dimension to the meeting. His camaraderie with President Tinubu, built over decades, was evident in the warm exchanges of pleasantries and banter. Akinlaja’s illustrious career spans union leadership as NUPENG General Secretary and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), through to national politics where he served eight years as a federal lawmaker representing Ondo East and West Constituency.
Renowned for his inclusive leadership, humanitarian values, and rejection of violent politics, Akinlaja has been celebrated as a mentor, trailblazer, and patriot. His contributions to labor and governance continue to inspire younger generations, with calls mounting for his legacy to be documented as a national model for leadership and unionism.
Observers argue that Nigeria must break the tradition of only celebrating heroes posthumously by honoring Akinlaja while alive. His foresight, organizational capacity, and devotion to public service remain invaluable assets to the labor movement and national politics.
As NUPENG strengthens its collaboration with the Tinubu administration, stakeholders believe the union’s leadership anchored by Oladiti’s vision and Akinlaja’s wisdom will play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s energy future and democratic consolidation.
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Emmanuel Ajibulu is an infopreneur, writer, communication consultant, and social media influencer. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a general-purpose online news platform. In addition to his editorial work, he provides expertise in strategic communications, digital engagement, and thought leadership. Emmanuel is passionate about shaping narratives that drive social impact and corporate excellence. He can be reached via veracitydesk@gmail.com or emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com
