For many Nigerian oil and gas workers, there’s finally some good news. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has secured up to 300% salary increases for its members across several companies in the sector.
This wage increase comes after months of negotiation by the union in response to the rising cost of living, the fall of the naira, and the general economic hardship affecting working Nigerians.
“Things have been tough. Since inflation started hitting hard, we’ve been negotiating with companies one after the other,” said Comrade Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN President. “Some companies have raised salaries by as much as 300%. Many others gave over 200% increases.”
He made these remarks at the 2025 PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention, which took place in Abuja.
More Than Just Wages
Osifo explained that PENGASSAN isn’t focused on just asking for a ₦70,000 minimum wage like other sectors. Their focus is on protecting workers’ purchasing power in the face of a weak naira and rising inflation.
“We’re not just talking minimum wage. We’re fighting for real value because the cost of food, transport, and healthcare keeps going up,” he added.
However, Osifo also admitted that the economic situation for many Nigerians remains difficult. He gave President Tinubu’s administration a mixed score, saying that while some government policies look good on paper, they haven’t made life much easier for ordinary people.
“Policies may sound nice in reports, but when you check what’s happening with food prices or school fees, there’s still a big gap,” he said.
Women Say: “The Future Is Ours”
During the convention, Comrade Maryann Ada Mbanaso, Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission, spoke passionately about the need for more women to lead the energy sector.
“If doors are closed to us, we will open them ourselves,” she said. “We have everything it takes to lead, and this is our time.”
This year’s theme, “She Powers the Future”, focused on getting more women into leadership roles and using technology to change the industry.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
While many have praised the union’s success, not everyone is happy. Online, some Nigerians raised concerns that contract staff, who make up a large part of the oil industry, might not benefit from the increase.
“What about the contract workers? They’re the ones who suffer the most,” one comment read.
Another person asked:
“Why are those who already earn big salaries getting such huge increases, while civil servants are still stuck with the same pay?”
There were also emotional stories shared by people who’ve worked in the industry for years without ever seeing the benefits that full-time staff enjoy. One comment read:
“I’ve been working as a contract engineer for over 20 years. No pension. No real salary increase. If I ask for one, they just hire a younger guy to replace me.”
Why This Matters
The deal PENGASSAN just secured could change the game for other unions. In a country where many workers struggle to make ends meet, this win shows that strong, persistent negotiation can bring real change.
It also puts pressure on the government to rethink its wage policies, especially for public servants, teachers, and health workers who haven’t seen much improvement in their pay.
This moment could mark the start of broader wage conversations in Nigeria and for now, at least some workers in one of the country’s most profitable industries can breathe a little easier.