Executive members of NUMW, and HEOS at meeting on Sunday at PTI, Effurun, Delta State
By Samuel Ogude
The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) and the Heavy Equipment Operators Section (HEOS), Delta State Chapter, have pledged to collaborate with the Delta State Ministry of Transport to advance Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. The unions made the commitment during an enlarged meeting held on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at the meeting, the Delta State Chairman of both NUMW and HEOS, Comrade Michael Aregbor, said the State Executive Council was committed to ensuring that the unions played a more active role in the state’s development through effective monitoring, organisation and coordination of mining-related activities, particularly those involving heavy-duty and earth-moving equipment.
Executive and members of NUMW, and HEOS at meeting on Sunday at PTI, Effurun, Delta State
Aregbor explained that the proposed partnership with the Ministry of Transport would strengthen regulation within the sector while boosting the state’s internally generated revenue in line with Governor Oborevwori’s development vision. He also reaffirmed the unions’ commitment to fostering cordial industrial relations between employers and employees by advocating fair wages, reasonable working hours, improved conditions of service and the overall welfare of members.
“The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, who also doubles as the State Chairman of the Heavy Equipment Operators Section, alongside the State Working Committee, will not rest until this noble vision is achieved despite the challenges before us,” he said.
In an address signed by the State Vice Chairman, Comrade Emebradu Rachael, and presented by the Chairman of the Warri, Udu and Ughelli Branch, Comrade Sheriff O.C. Adhuze, the union disclosed that membership remained open to employees in the mining, quarrying and mineral production industries.
Members of NUMW, and HEOS at meeting on Sunday at PTI, Effurun, Delta State
According to the address, members would enjoy legal protection, defence against victimisation, enhanced welfare packages and other employment-related benefits. The chairman also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, and other stakeholders for their continued support towards the growth and development of the unions.
The meeting also featured a political endorsement, as the unions declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections. Aregbor said the endorsement was informed by what the unions described as the impressive developmental achievements of both administrations.
Members of NUMW, and HEOS at meeting on Sunday at PTI, Effurun, Delta State
“We boldly state that this is the first time a democratically elected Nigerian President has demonstrated the courage and determination to address the fundamental challenges facing the nation’s economy, education, agriculture, healthcare and other critical sectors,” he stated. On Governor Oborevwori, Aregbor maintained that the governor deserved a second term to consolidate on the achievements recorded under the MORE Agenda, particularly in road infrastructure, economic development, healthcare and human capital development.
The unions, therefore, urged Nigerians and the people of Delta State to support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections.