By SANI IDRIS ABDULRAHMAN

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

The group warned that sidelining it would undermine representation for downstream labour.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to him, PSWs constituted a critical mass within the downstream petroleum sector but remained 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 undermined the very essence of unionisation and collective bargaining.

At a time when NUPENG is restructuring for inclusivity, he explained that 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 that 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 were to succeed.

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