The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has expelled Comrade Alex Agwanwor, Rivers State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over alleged gross misconduct and anti-union activities.
The action was sequel to an emergency virtual meeting of NUPENG’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after which the General Secretary Comrade Afolabi Olawale issued a letter enforcing the decision, effective February 20, 2026.
The NEC’s letter referenced findings from an Administrative Investigative Committee, which investigated the allegations against Agwanwor and, after thorough deliberation, unanimously found him guilty on all counts.
The union noted that the issue first emerged during the NEC meeting on July 24, 2025, at Echelon Heights Hotel in Port Harcourt, when complaints of anti-union conduct and misconduct were raised.
The letter reads, “At the time, the NEC issued Agwanwor a formal query, suspended him, and set up an investigative committee to examine the allegations.
“Agwanwor was subsequently placed on administrative suspension via a letter dated July 25, 2025, and issued two separate queries on July 25, 2025, and January 27, 2026.”
The union further disclosed that Agwanwor had challenged NUPENG’s authority at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/234/2025, which the court dismissed and affirmed the union’s constitutional powers to discipline members.
According to the union, the Administrative Investigative Committee, inaugurated on January 28, 2026, gave Agwanwor an opportunity to respond, but he reportedly ignored the second query and failed to appear before the panel on February 5 and 6, 2026.
The NEC concluded its investigation based on the evidence at hand and upheld the expulsion, noting it stands unless overturned by the National Delegates Conference (NDC), the union’s highest decision-making body.
Agwanwor, however, retains the right to appeal under NUPENG’s constitution.