• Depots raise price to N980 from N880

Oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed all its members in the country to withdraw their services within 24 hours. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of all its branches which lasted late into the night on Saturday.
The strike order follows the recent sack of 800 workers by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.
As at yesterday, following the dispute and threats by oil workers, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) increased their Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol rate to N980 per litre from N880 per litre.
The action as also been deemed as an act of “economic sabotage” and threat to the country’s energy security by public sector analyst and economists
The labour directive was contained in a communique signed by PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa. The union lamented that Dangote Refinery’s unilateral action to sack over 800 members of the Association for joining PENGASSAN was an insult to all workers in Nigeria and a deliberate violation of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
The Union, in the communique, noted said: “Dangote Refinery’s notoriety for enslaving Nigerian workers and the eventual sack of all Nigerians working in the refinery and hiring of over 2,000 Indians, is a show of disloyalty to a country that has given him the most incentives any company has ever enjoyed in Nigeria, at taxpayers’ expense.”
The oil workers said the company has subjected Nigerians to the worst type of working conditions in the oil and gas industry.
The communique stated further: “That no man or company, no matter how highly placed, is above the law and cannot be called to order by the national institutions.
“That the over 800 staff whose jobs have been given to Indians and their families are Nigerians and victims was made to suffer unjustly and there is an urgent need to avoid setting a dangerous precedence.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN resolves that all its members working across field locations are to withdraw services effective 06:00hrs on Sunday, 28th of September, 2025 and commence 24-hour prayers. This includes all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel.
It said: “All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday, 29th of September, 2025”.
The oil workers said no intervention whatsoever will be entertained across field locations except where the safety of personnel and assets is at risk.
“All processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off effectively immediately.
“All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.
“The prayer point should include a call to God Almighty to give courage to those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey the laws of our country, “it added.Consequently, depot the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) increased their Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol rate to N980 per litre from N880 per litre.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National President Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, in a chat with The Nation, confirmed the increased depot price of the commodity.
“The depot owners have started jacking up their prices. I learnt that they are selling PMS N970 to N980 from N870 and N880. Formerly, it was N820 and N825, but now they are selling N870 to N880,” he said.
The IPMAN boss appealed to PENGASSAN to consider the negative impact their actions would cause the economy and rescind the decision to stop crude and gas supply to the refinery.
“We are appealing to PENGASSAN not to cut the supply of crude oil and gas to Dangote because it will affect the economy and also reconsider their strike declaration.
“We are appealing to them to look at another way of resolving their differences with Dangote management. This is because anything that will shortchange the economy is not good. The supply of Dangote to the Nigeria’s market is huge. He is the key distributor of petroleum products in the country,” Maigandi said.
Similarly, the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) National Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, said the industrial action will culminate in petroleum products scarcity, insisting that the masses will bear the pains of the refinery and union unrest. He said Dangote Refinery has been the sole supplier of petrol in the country in the last two months.
“Definitely, it will amount to scarcity, so we want to appeal that the government should step in so that the masses will not suffer. I don’t think there has been importation of products in the last two months. Dangote has been the one supplying the products,” Ukadike said.
But the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) National President, Dr. Billy Hary, advised Dangote Refinery management to settle its scores with PENGASSAN, stressing that it is harmful for the refinery to fight the government, International Oil Companies (IOCs) and stakeholders all within a year of operation.

By Abimbola Ola, with Agency report

Introduction

Parenting practices evolve with social, cultural, and technological changes. Just as Baby Boomers and Millennials shaped child-rearing according to the values of their time, Generation Z (those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) is now entering parenthood with a distinct style. Gen Z parenting is characterized by digital fluency, progressive values, and a focus on emotional intelligence. This essay explores the defining features of Gen Z parenting, its advantages, challenges, and implications for the future of child development.

Digital Fluency and Tech-Oriented Parenting

One of the most notable features of Gen Z parents is their integration of technology into family life. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z parents are “digital natives” who grew up alongside smartphones, social media, and instant connectivity. Research suggests that digital natives rely heavily on online platforms for knowledge acquisition and problem-solving (Prensky, 2001). In parenting, this manifests in the use of apps for child development tracking, online communities for support, and digital communication with schools and healthcare providers.

However, while technology enables easier access to resources, it also raises concerns. Studies highlight the risks of excessive screen time for children, potential cyberbullying, and the psychological impact of social media exposure (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Thus, while digital parenting can be efficient, it requires careful monitoring.

Progressive Values and Emotional Intelligence

Gen Z parents are more inclined toward progressive parenting models that emphasize emotional well-being. They prioritize open communication, validation of children’s feelings, and mental health awareness. According to research on contemporary parenting, emotionally responsive parenting is linked to higher self-esteem and resilience in children (Gottman & Declaire, 1997).

Unlike authoritarian parenting styles of the past, which emphasized obedience and strict discipline, Gen Z parenting leans toward an authoritative or permissive approach, encouraging children to express themselves freely. This promotes independence and creativity but raises questions about whether boundaries and discipline may sometimes be compromised.

Redefining Family Structures

Another important feature of Gen Z parenting is the acceptance of diverse family models. Gen Z parents are less constrained by traditional norms and are more likely to embrace single parenting, co-parenting, and blended families. Research indicates that younger generations hold more liberal attitudes toward non-traditional households (Pew Research Center, 2020).

This flexibility reflects a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and diversity. However, in regions with strong traditional roots—such as Nigeria, where extended family values are deeply embedded—Gen Z parenting may clash with intergenerational expectations.

Challenges of Gen Z Parenting

Despite their progressive approach, Gen Z parents face unique challenges. Economic instability, high living costs, and employment uncertainties are common issues for young families (ILO, 2021). Furthermore, the reliance on technology can create dependency, while cultural tensions with older generations may lead to criticism of being “too lenient” or “too modern.” Balancing innovation with tradition remains a significant challenge for Gen Z parents.

Parent-Child Relationships

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Gen Z parenting is the nature of the parent-child relationship. Instead of hierarchical authority, Gen Z parents often adopt a partnership model—treating their children as individuals with voices that matter. Research on modern parenting shows that democratic communication fosters social competence and higher self-confidence (Baumrind, 1991).

Nevertheless, this approach requires a delicate balance to ensure children remain respectful of authority while enjoying freedom of expression.

Conclusion

Gen Z parenting represents a paradigm shift in child-rearing. It is digitally fluent, emotionally aware, and inclusive of diverse family models. While it carries risks such as technology overuse and challenges in maintaining discipline, it also offers opportunities to raise emotionally intelligent, socially aware children prepared for the complexities of the modern world. As this generation continues to mature in their parenting roles, further research will be necessary to assess the long-term impacts of their methods on child development and society.

References

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56–95muy

The present sack gale that rocked the Dangote Refinery is the anti climax arising from the plan by the Dangote refinery to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks for the direct distribution of fuel to retailers. Though the scheme scheduled to commence on August 15 was delayed by logistics challenges in China, but eventually commenced a month later on September 15.
NUPENG, in a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha and the General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, on September 6, 2025, accused the management of the Dangote refinery of alleged anti-labour practices inimical to the survival and means of livelihoods of its members under its Petroleum and Tanker Drivers Branch.
The union lamented that the founder of the refinery, Aliko Dangote, had said that new drivers would be recruited for the imported trucks and none of them would be allowed to join any union. NUPENG described the position taken by the management of Dangote refinery as an affront to the right of association, guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, and a breach of relevant international labour laws to which Nigeria is a signatory.
It recalled several meetings it initiated, jointly with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, to prevail on Aliko Dangote to rescind his stance on not allowing its drivers to join trade unions. However, the Union expressed regret that its appeals were allegedly ignored.
NUPENG said it would not stand idly by and watch while the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers, are destroyed. “NUPENG stood in solidarity with Dangote Refinery during its construction and commissioning. We did so in good faith, in expectation that it would create jobs, strengthen local capacity, and benefit the Nigerian people, under a conducive atmosphere for unions to thrive.

September 6, 2025
The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), said there was no basis for the purported strike action being championed by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) slated to commence on September 8.

September 7, 2025
NLC, PETROAN beg for President Tinubu’s intervention to avert strike

September 8, 2025:
NUPENG shut down petrol loading at Dangote Refinery as strike began
DAPPMAN sues for dialogue

On September 9, 2025

Dangote and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding strengthening refinery workers’ constitutional right to unionise.

September 10, 2025
NUPENG accused the firm of acting in bad faith giving instructions to truck drivers to remove union stickers and report for loading, a move the union described as intimidation. Dangote Groups denounced the claims as “cheap blackmail.”

September 11, 2025
NUPENG threatened to resume strike, blocking loading in Dangote Refinery. The union accused Dangote Refinery of negating the resolutions reached at the earlier peace meeting brokered by the DSS.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed allegations made by the NUPENG, insisting that claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and planned fuel price hikes are “entirely unfounded.”
According to Dangote Refinery, central to NUPENG’s allegations is the roll-out of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk trucks, which the union claims could displace existing jobs. Dangote Group firmly refuted this, describing the initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
“The deployment of CNG-powered trucks is a strategic initiative designed to support national energy transition goals, not to displace existing jobs,” the company stated. Each truck will be operated by a six-person team, with drivers receiving salaries significantly above the national minimum wage, plus medical cover, pensions, housing allowances, and long-term access to housing loans. The company aims to have 10,000 such trucks in operation by year-end, potentially creating over 60,000 direct jobs.

September 25, 2025

Dangote Refinery sacks 800 workers
Prior to yesterday’s sacking of 800 workers by the Dangote Refinery, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), had earlier threatened to shut down Dangote Refinery over management’s refusal to allow tanker drivers and other employees to unionize.
PENGASSAN voiced its frustration with what it described as the refinery’s persistent resistance to unionization efforts, stressing that “all diplomatic efforts had failed to resolve the issue.”
The union further warned that if the standoff continued, it would have no option but to “join NUPENG in shutting down refinery operations to protect workers’ rights and interests.”

The Dangote Refinery, an oil refinery owned by Dangote Group, was inaugurated on 22 May 2023 in Lekki, Nigeria. When fully operational, it is expected to have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world. The investment is over S$20 billion