The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has been urged to extend health insurance coverage to petrol station workers, including pump attendants, cleaners, security personnel, managers, and other staff working in the downstream petroleum sector.

The call followed the recent launch of a health insurance scheme by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for workers in its retail outlets across the country, a move described as timely and commendable by labour advocates.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Convener of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, Ibrahim Zango, said IPMAN should emulate NNPCL’s initiative to ensure the welfare and well-being of workers employed by independent marketers.

Zango said the NNPCL programme had set a standard that should be replicated across the downstream petroleum sector, stressing that workers’ health should be treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.

According to him, petrol station workers are exposed daily to serious health and safety risks, including inhalation of toxic fumes, fire hazards and long working hours, making access to healthcare protection essential.

“These workers deserve adequate protection regardless of whether they are employed by NNPCL outlets or independent marketers.

“Their lives are equally important, and their contributions keep the sector running,” Zango said.

He maintained that health insurance should not be viewed as a luxury but a fundamental right of every worker, especially in an industry with high occupational risks.

“Access to health insurance is not a privilege; it is a basic necessity that every worker is entitled to,” he said, adding that denying workers such coverage undermines their productivity and dignity.

Zango also clarified issues surrounding the leadership of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, noting that the current structure was not formed through a formal election process.

He explained that the leadership emerged out of necessity due to prevailing challenges faced by petrol station workers nationwide, including poor welfare conditions and a lack of representation.

“The circumstances forced workers to organise themselves to speak with one voice.

“However, this does not replace the need for proper and structured leadership,” he said.

He emphasised the need for well-organised leadership at the local, state and national levels to improve coordination, engagement with stakeholders and service delivery in the downstream sector.

Zango noted that the current economic hardship and rising cost of healthcare had worsened the vulnerability of petrol station workers, many of whom earn modest wages.

“Given the harsh economic conditions, workers can no longer afford to wait indefinitely for relief.

“Healthcare costs are rising, and one illness can wipe out a worker’s entire income,” he said.

He therefore called on IPMAN to take immediate and concrete steps to provide health insurance coverage for workers under its membership across the country.

According to him, proactive action by IPMAN would not only safeguard lives but also ensure a stable and motivated workforce capable of sustaining operations in the downstream petroleum sector. (The PUNCH)

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