By Frank Ulom
The National Patriotic Front for Tinubu (NPFT) has called on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to urgently review its 2026 promotion exercise following allegations of unfair treatment and marginalisation of employees from Cross River State.
In a letter dated September 8, 2026, and addressed to the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the group expressed what it described as “deep concern and strong objection” over the reported outcome of the promotion exercise, which it said appeared to have disproportionately disadvantaged Cross River State indigenes.
The petition, signed by NPFT Director General, Castro Ezama, argued that the issue extends beyond promotions and touches on principles of fairness, equal opportunity, institutional justice and confidence in the commission’s personnel management system.
According to the group, while promotions within a professional regulatory institution should be based on merit, performance, qualifications, experience and available positions, any outcome that creates a credible perception of bias against a particular state or group of employees should be thoroughly examined.
“The issue before the Commission is not merely about promotion. It concerns fairness, equal opportunity, institutional justice and confidence in the integrity of the Commission’s personnel management system,” the letter stated.
The NPFT maintained that Cross River State employees serving in the NUPRC deserve the same opportunities for career advancement as their counterparts from other parts of the country, stressing that no employee should be disadvantaged on the basis of state of origin, ethnicity or geographical location.
The group further emphasised that, as a federal regulatory institution, the NUPRC has a responsibility to uphold transparency, equity and equal opportunity in its employment and promotion processes.
To address the concerns, the NPFT requested the commission to undertake an immediate review of the 2026 promotion exercise, particularly the results affecting Cross River State indigenes. It also called for the publication of the criteria used in determining successful candidates and an objective comparative assessment of promotion outcomes across states and cadres.
The organisation urged the commission to take corrective measures where errors, inconsistencies or unfair treatment are identified and to establish a mechanism through which affected officers can submit complaints and requests for reconsideration without fear of victimisation.
The group also called for a transparent communication of the review process and any remedial actions taken, saying such steps would help restore confidence among affected employees.
While insisting that its appeal was made in the interest of justice and institutional credibility, the NPFT stated that failure to investigate credible allegations of unequal treatment could deepen perceptions of marginalisation and weaken confidence in the commission’s administrative processes.
“Cross River State indigenes serving the NUPRC are Nigerians. They have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the growth and effectiveness of the Commission. They should not have to plead for what is legitimately theirs under a fair and transparent promotion system,” the letter added.
The group appealed to the Commission Chief Executive and relevant authorities to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that merit, fairness, competence and equal opportunity remain the guiding principles for career advancement within the commission.
Converseer reports that over 100 promotions were made into the senior manager, assistant director, deputy director, and director. Yet, no Cross Riverian was promoted.
