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Petroleum Station Workers in Nigeria Demand Recognition and Protection

In a bid to improve their standard of living and protect their rights, Petroleum Station Workers (PSWs) in Nigeria have called for recognition and organisation under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The workers, who have been facing excessive maltreatment, poor salaries, and neglect, are demanding free, fair, and credible elections to establish leadership at national, state, and local levels.

At a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, Ibrahim Zango, spokesperson for PSW, lamented the harsh conditions faced by workers in the sector. “We are dying voiceless,” Zango said, adding that “despite our vital role in the economy, we are treated like slaves. Our salaries are meager, and we face dangers such as toxic environments and fire hazards without adequate healthcare.”

Zango disclosed that PSWs earn between N10,000 and N20,000 per month, a sum that is barely sufficient to meet their basic needs. This has led to some workers engaging in sharp practices to survive. “Tell me, why won’t some of them cut corners to survive the current harsh economy?” he asked.

The PSWs are demanding recognition and organization under NUPENG to protect their members and improve their working conditions. They are also calling on the leadership of NUPENG to organize free, fair, and credible elections to establish leadership at national, state, and local levels.

“We will not relent in our efforts to have a voice that can speak for all our members across the country,” Zango vowed. “We cannot continue to remain silent while our members are dying after putting all their productive years to work. We are calling on the leadership of NUPENG as our mother body to as a matter of urgent necessity organise free, fair, and credible elections to usher in our leadership at the National, State, and Local Government levels. This will protect our members in all the nooks and crannies of the country. The best time to do that was 20 years ago, another best time is now,” Zango added.

The PSWs’ cry for recognition and better working conditions comes as the sector faces numerous challenges, including fuel scarcity and price hikes. The workers’ demands are a wake-up call for the government and NUPENG to address the plight of PSWs and ensure their rights are protected.