AA Rano recently revealed plans to introduce self-service fuel stations this January, featuring 24-hour operations with contactless payments, real-time monitoring, and automated dispensing systems. The company claims these innovations will eliminate the need for on-site attendants.
However, Comrade Ibrahim Zango, a rights advocate and spokesperson for the workers, criticized the initiative, stating that it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of petrol station attendants. In a statement released in Kaduna, Zango emphasized that Nigeria’s current economic struggles, including high unemployment and inflation, make this an ill-timed venture.
“With the country already facing severe job losses, rising living costs, and increasing insecurity, introducing technology that cuts jobs without safeguards is reckless,” Zango said. He pointed out that many attendants rely on these jobs to support their families, with some having worked in the sector for decades.
While Zango acknowledged the benefits of technological progress, he insisted that innovation should not come at the expense of workers. He called for automation policies that create new opportunities rather than destroy existing jobs.
Zango urged the Federal Government and regulatory bodies to establish clear guidelines that protect workers while embracing technological advancements. He also appealed to AA Rano’s management to consider its social responsibility, noting that many of today’s attendants were once in the same position as the company’s founders.
“Pushing people out of their jobs in the name of progress is unacceptable,” Zango said, urging AA Rano, regulators, and workers to engage in discussions before implementing the project.
