The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Tuesday charged members of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and maintain regulatory independence in the discharge of their duties.

He gave the charge in Abuja during the inauguration of the NUPRC Board, alongside that of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), describing both ceremonies as critical milestones in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen governance frameworks, deepen sectoral reforms and accelerate inclusive national development.

Akume said the inauguration of the NUPRC Board marks a key step in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted to reposition the country’s petroleum sector through enhanced regulatory clarity, institutional independence and adherence to global best practices.

According to him, the Board, as the apex governance body of the Commission, is expected to provide strategic oversight, policy direction and institutional stability necessary to boost investor confidence, optimise revenue generation and promote sustainable development in the upstream petroleum sector.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity , Yomi Odunuga, Akume said “the establishment and inauguration of this Board underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s upstream petroleum resources are managed transparently, efficiently and in the best interest of the Nigerian people”.

He noted that the appointments reflect a deliberate selection of individuals with proven competence, integrity and professional experience, expressing confidence that their collective expertise would advance the objectives of the PIA.

“Members of the Board, your charge is clear. You are to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and work constructively with management and stakeholders while maintaining regulatory independence,” Akume said.

The SGF stressed that integrity, diligence and fidelity to the law must guide the Board’s decisions, noting that public trust and national interest depend on their stewardship.

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He added that the exercise aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises strong institutions, the rule of law and integrity in public service, noting that effective regulation of the upstream sector remains central to economic growth, energy security and fiscal sustainability.

In a separate ceremony inaugurating the NALDA Board, Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation as a key pillar of national development.

He described NALDA as a strategic vehicle for poverty eradication, food security enhancement, job creation and rural transformation, noting that its mandate to drive agricultural land development is critical to achieving national development goals.

The SGF highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates, designed as modern mechanised agricultural hubs with integrated irrigation, processing infrastructure and farmer settlements.

He also listed complementary programmes including the Renewed Hope Restoration Project for vulnerable groups, the Green Hope Project focused on climate-smart greenhouse farming, and the Aqua Hope Project aimed at expanding structured aquaculture systems.

According to him, these initiatives are already yielding positive outcomes in food production, employment generation and rural economic growth, while supporting the administration’s broader objective of economic diversification.

“As we look ahead, NALDA is expected to scale up its programmes across more states, strengthen the use of technology, and expand opportunities for youth and women in agriculture,” he said.

Akume emphasised that the NALDA Board would play a crucial role in providing strategic direction, effective oversight and management support required to consolidate the Authority’s gains and ensure the successful delivery of its mandate.

He urged members of both Boards to approach their assignments with a strong sense of duty, patriotism and commitment to national development, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support.

Responding on behalf of the NUPRC Board, Chairman, Senator Magnus Abe, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging that the Board would not disappoint.

“We are very grateful to the President and we want to assure him through you that we will not disappoint him,” he said, adding that the Board would work closely with management to deliver on the objectives of the PIA.

Similarly, chairman of the NALDA Board, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, described the appointments as a call to service, assuring that the Board would provide sound governance, transparency and accountability in supporting the Authority’s mandate.

“As a Governing Board, our mandate is clear: to provide strategic direction, ensure sound governance, and uphold transparency and accountability in the discharge of our duties,” Barkiya said.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has charged the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to push for the revival of moribund refineries across Nigeria.

PETROAN National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, in a congratulatory message on the emergence of Salimon Oladiti as NUPENG President, emphasized that restoring these refineries will promote healthy competition in the downstream sector, prevent monopolistic dominance, create employment opportunities across the value chain, and significantly boost national economic development.

He stressed that functional refineries will also enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

Obele, on behalf of PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, described the development as a major consolidation within the downstream petroleum sector.

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He noted that Oladiti’s emergence represents continuity, unity, and a renewed commitment to collaboration among key industry stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that under the new leadership, the welfare of petroleum workers will be further strengthened, while the collective voice of stakeholders will become more vibrant and influential in advancing national development.

Also, commended the service of the former President, Williams Akporeha, noting that his tenure witnessed remarkable achievements, including improved staff welfare, significant salary enhancements, infrastructural development such as the NUPENG national headquarters, and the maintenance of industrial peace and a stable working environment.

He reaffirmed PETROAN’s commitment to continued partnership with NUPENG in promoting efficiency, stability, and shared prosperity across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

In addition, he encouraged the new NUPENG leadership to consolidate a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the Dangote Refinery, noting that strong collaboration between organised labour and major refining operators is essential for operational stability, fair market practices, and the overall growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“PETROAN remains confident that under Comrade Oladiti’s leadership, NUPENG will continue to foster industrial harmony, deepen stakeholder engagement, and protect the collective interests of workers and operators in the downstream petroleum sector,” he added.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that a monthly salary of ₦1 million has become practically worthless to Nigerian workers due to the continued instability of the naira and rising inflation.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), where he expressed concern over the declining purchasing power of workers across the country.

According to Ajaero, the focus of organised labour is not just on increasing wages, but on ensuring that the value of the naira is strong enough to sustain workers and their families.

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“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said. “What we need is a stable currency that can carry workers through the month.”

He lamented that the persistent rise in the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities, including food, transportation and housing.

The NLC boss noted that the ongoing discussions surrounding a new national minimum wage must follow due legal process and cannot be rushed.

“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is governed by law and tied to a review cycle. When the time comes, we will begin the process ahead of its expiration,” Ajaero explained.

He called on the federal government to take urgent steps to cushion the impact of inflation, stressing that current economic conditions have worsened the hardship faced by workers.

Ajaero also linked the growing economic pressure to rising fuel prices, which he said have significantly increased transportation costs and driven up food prices nationwide.

“We raised concerns when global factors began to affect local fuel prices, but unfortunately, the situation has not improved,” he said.

The labour leader further emphasised the need for Nigeria to build a resilient energy policy that can shield the country from external economic shocks.

“It is not ideal that developments in other parts of the world automatically translate into hardship for Nigerians. We must create systems that protect our economy,” he added.

On pension matters, Ajaero raised concerns about the emergence of multiple pension unions, warning that the development has created confusion within the system.

He disclosed that the NLC is engaging stakeholders to address the issue and ensure proper coordination, particularly in the areas of deductions and remittances.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Day celebration, Ajaero revealed that any protest actions would be limited to states that have not fully implemented the approved minimum wage.

“Any protest will not be nationwide. It will only take place in states that have failed to comply with the minimum wage implementation,” he clarified.

He, however, acknowledged that while many states have complied, some are yet to fully implement the policy, especially at the local government level and in the education sector.

He also pointed out issues with consequential salary adjustments, noting that some states are paying only the minimum wage without properly adjusting other salary structures.

“These are technical issues we must address. We will assess compliance levels before May Day,” he said.

Ajaero reaffirmed the commitment of the NLC to continue advocating for policies that will improve workers’ welfare and ensure economic stability.

He also commended the federal government for reviewing peculiar allowances and approving a 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants, expressing hope that the measures will be effectively implemented.