PENGASSAN strike hurts low income petrol workers

Economist Kelvin Emmanuel has criticized the ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), arguing that unions should prioritize the welfare of low‑income petrol workers. In an interview, Emmanuel highlighted the plight of retail filling‑station staff and tanker drivers, who earn minimal wages despite union representation. He noted that fuel attendants at more than 30,000 retail stations across Nigeria receive between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000 a month, while drivers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) earn between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000 monthly. Emmanuel questioned why PENGASSAN and NUPENG are not advocating for these workers’ rights, emphasizing that many earn below the minimum wage.

The economist also condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for failing to support over 100,000 petrol attendants, who often rely on illegal tips from customers to survive. He warned that the PENGASSA‑Dangote dispute could damage Nigeria’s global image, particularly in light of President Bola Tinubu’s assurances to investors. Emmanuel pointed out that the privately owned Dangote Refinery, founded by Aliko Dangote, has the right to restructure and make hiring and firing decisions.

Despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court, PENGASSAN has vowed to continue its nationwide strike, claiming that the Dangote Refinery illegally dismissed 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with Indian workers. Mediation efforts remain ongoing; a meeting between PENGASSAN and the refinery, convened by the federal government, ended in a deadlock. The Trade Union Congress has backed PENGASSAN, demanding the 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 carries significant implications for Nigeria’s energy sector, potentially affecting 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.