PENGASSAN strike hurts low income petrol workers

Nigerian Economist Faults Ongoing PENGASSAN Strike, Citing Neglect of Low-Income Petrol Workers

The ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been criticized by economist Kelvin Emmanuel, who argues that unions should prioritize the welfare of low-income petrol workers. In an interview, Emmanuel highlighted the plight of workers in retail filling stations and tanker drivers, who earn minimal wages despite the presence of unions.

According to Emmanuel, fuel attendants at over 30,000 retail stations across Nigeria earn between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000 monthly, while drivers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) earn between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000 monthly. He questioned why PENGASSAN and NUPENG are not advocating for these workers’ rights, emphasizing that many earn below the minimum wage.

The economist also criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for failing to support over 100,000 petrol attendants. He noted that these workers often rely on tips from customers to survive, which is illegal. Emmanuel warned that the PENGASSAN-Dangote dispute could damage Nigeria’s global image, particularly with regards to President Bola Tinubu’s assurances to investors.

The Dangote Refinery, a private company founded by Aliko Dangote, has the right to restructure and make hiring and firing decisions, according to Emmanuel. However, PENGASSAN has vowed to continue its nationwide strike despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court. The union claims that Dangote Refinery illegally sacked 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with Indian workers.

Mediation efforts are ongoing, with a meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery convened by the Federal Government ending in a deadlock. The Trade Union Congress has backed PENGASSAN, demanding reinstatement of dismissed staff and warning of a broader strike. Dangote Refinery has denied breaching labor rights, insisting that its restructuring was necessary for safety and efficiency.

The strike has significant implications for Nigeria’s energy sector, with potential consequences for the country’s global image and investor confidence. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved and what impact it will have on the nation’s economy.