Petrol station workers operating under the banner of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers have strongly opposed plans by AA Rano to introduce what the company has described as Nigeria’s first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations.
The workers raised concerns that the proposed innovation could lead to widespread job losses across the downstream petroleum sector, especially among pump attendants and support staff who depend on fuel stations for their livelihoods. They warned that replacing human workers with automated systems would worsen unemployment at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic hardship.
According to the group, while technological advancement is important, it should not come at the expense of workers’ welfare and job security. They urged AA Rano and other industry players to adopt innovations that balance efficiency with human inclusion rather than eliminating jobs entirely.
The workers also called on relevant government agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to critically review the plan and ensure that any transition to automation aligns with labor laws and national employment policies.
AA Rano had earlier announced its intention to roll out automated fuel stations that would operate without on-site staff, allowing customers to purchase fuel through digital and self-service platforms. The company said the move was aimed at improving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and aligning Nigeria’s fuel retail sector with global trends.
However, the petrol station workers insisted that any modernization of the sector must involve dialogue with labor unions and stakeholders to prevent social and economic dislocation.