By Erewunmi Peace

Allegations have surfaced that Nigeria’s oil workers’ unions, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), were drawing as much as ₦120 billion yearly in salaries linked to the country’s non-functional refineries.

The claim was made by Obiareri, who alleged that despite the refineries being inactive for years, union members continued to benefit financially. He described the development as wasteful and called for urgent accountability in the oil sector.

However, the allegation remains unverified, as no official government audit, public financial record, or independent investigation has confirmed the figure. Neither PENGASSAN nor NUPENG has issued a formal response to the claim at the time of this report.

The issue of Nigeria’s refineries — which have remained largely inactive despite several turnaround maintenance efforts — continues to spark public debate. Analysts argue that billions spent annually on maintenance, staff salaries, and union check-off dues raise questions about transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

Until further evidence is presented, the ₦120 billion salary claim should be treated as an allegation rather than established fact.