An economist, Kelvin Emmanuel, has criticized the ongoing strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), urging labour unions to concentrate on the welfare of petrol attendants and low-income workers across the oil and gas sector.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Tuesday, Emmanuel questioned why fuel attendants and tanker drivers earn below ₦100,000 per month despite working in a highly profitable sector.

“The fuel attendants at over 30,000 retail stations across Nigeria earn between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000 monthly. Are they not oil and gas workers? Why are PENGASSAN and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) not fighting for their rights?” he asked.

Emmanuel added that drivers under NUPENG earn between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000 monthly, often below acceptable living standards.

He also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for not advocating for more than 100,000 petrol attendants.

“Many earn below minimum wage, which is illegal. Those attendants depend on tips from customers to survive,” he said.
The economist also warned that the PENGASSAN–Dangote Refinery standoff could affect Nigeria’s global investment image.

“Whatever happens with this impasse will speak volumes to foreign investors. Investors are asking if it makes sense to deploy capital to Nigeria’s real sector only to be held to ransom,” he stated.

Emmanuel highlighted that the Trade Union Act provides established processes for resolving such disputes.

Regarding Dangote Refinery’s position, Emmanuel argued that the company, being privately owned, has the right to restructure its workforce.

“Dangote is not NNPC, not the government. The company has the right to hire and fire,” he said, noting that internal sabotage had affected operations for months and describing the strike as “unlawful.”

“If PENGASSAN, NUPENG, or TUC feel aggrieved, they must follow due process,” he added.

Despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court, PENGASSAN has vowed to continue its nationwide strike.

In a memo signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union dismissed reports of a valid injunction and instructed members to maintain industrial action until further notice.

The dispute arises from Dangote Refinery’s alleged sacking of over 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with foreign staff.

PENGASSAN members staged protests in Abuja, barricading the NNPC headquarters and regulatory agencies.

Trade Union Congress Secretary General Nuhu Toro expressed support for the union, warning that “no corporation will be allowed to trample on workers’ rights,” and called for the reinstatement of the dismissed staff.

Dangote Refinery, however, denied any violation of labour rights, describing its workforce restructuring as necessary for safety and operational efficiency. The company characterized the union’s strike as “criminal conduct” and called on government authorities to protect the energy sector.

Mediation efforts continue, with a meeting convened by the Federal Government on Monday ending in a deadlock. Labour Minister Mohammed Dingyadi and Minister of State Nkiruka Onyejeocha are expected to reconvene discussions on Tuesday.