Northern Pulse: Concerned Petrol Station Workers Demand Seat at NUPENG Reform Table

Ibrahim Zango, convener of the group

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

A group, under the auspices of Petrol Station Workers (PSWs) are demanding inclusion in the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) ongoing union reforms.

They warned that sidelining them undermines representation for downstream labour.

This, was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna by Ibrahim Zango, on behalf of the PSWs Nigeria.

Zango said that attention of PSWs across Nigeria was been drawn to restructuring, zonal elections, and national conference preparations within the NUPENG.

While commending efforts to reposition the union for efficiency and stronger representation, Zango expressed deep concern over PSWs’ marginalisation.

"Available records show NUPENG is undertaking internal reforms, including zonal council elections and leadership restructuring to strengthen its framework,"he said.

He explained that recent union engagements advancing workers’ rights underscore NUPENG’s central role in protecting oil and gas labour interests.

He, however, said in spite being one of the largest segments of the downstream workforce, PSWs remain unstructured, insufficiently protected, and poorly integrated.

He noted that NUPENG’s jurisdiction covers workers across the entire downstream value chain, including those operating within petrol filling stations.

He lamented that, Yet in practice, PSWs continue to experience poor welfare conditions, weak organisational structures, and limited voice within the union framework.

According to him, PSWs constitute a critical mass within the downstream petroleum sector but remain among the most vulnerable.

"They face exploitation, poor remuneration, and lack of social protection, the situation is unjust,"he said.

Zango argued that excluding PSWs from the ongoing reforms undermine the very essence of unionisation and collective bargaining.

At a time when NUPENG is restructuring for inclusivity, he explained, PSWs must be formally integrated as a structured arm.

Zango called on NUPENG leadership to recognise and formalise the PSW structure across all zones without delay.

He urged the union to ensure PSWs representatives join all ongoing zonal elections and national conference processes.

He further demanded that NUPENG prioritise PSW welfare, safety, and rights through targeted policies and enforcement mechanisms.

He asked for a clear framework for the organisation, registration, and protection of PSWs nationwide, stressing immediate action.

"The ongoing reforms present a historic opportunity to correct longstanding imbalances within the union," he stated.

He maintained that no segment of the workforce should be left behind if reforms are to succeed.

Zango reaffirmed commitment to constructive engagement, industrial harmony, and collective progress of all oil and gas workers.(NAN)