The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is facing calls to extend health insurance coverage to petrol station workers, including pump attendants, cleaners, security personnel, managers, and other staff within the downstream petroleum sector.
This appeal comes on the heels of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent launch of a health insurance scheme for workers at its retail outlets nationwide, a move that labor advocates have applauded as both timely and commendable. In a statement released on Sunday, Ibrahim Zango, Convener of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, urged IPMAN to follow NNPCL’s lead.
He emphasized that ensuring the welfare of workers employed by independent marketers is crucial for the industry. “The NNPCL initiative has set a benchmark that should be adopted across the downstream petroleum sector,” Zango stated, asserting that workers’ health must be prioritized rather than treated as an afterthought. Petrol station employees face significant health risks daily, including exposure to toxic fumes, fire hazards, and prolonged working hours, making access to healthcare protection vital.
“These workers deserve adequate protection, whether employed by NNPCL outlets or independent marketers. Their lives are equally valuable, and their contributions are essential to the industry.” Zango remarked,
He argued that health insurance should be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental right for every worker, especially in a sector characterized by high occupational hazards.
“Access to health insurance is a basic necessity that every worker is entitled to,” he asserted, warning that denial of such coverage undermines both productivity and dignity. Zango also addressed the leadership structure of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, clarifying that it was formed out of necessity rather than through a formal election process. This leadership arose in response to the significant challenges faced by petrol station workers, including poor welfare conditions and a lack of representation.“
The circumstances compelled workers to unite and advocate for their rights,” he explained, while stressing the importance of establishing formal leadership to enhance coordination and engagement with stakeholders in the downstream sector.
With the current economic climate exacerbating healthcare costs and the financial vulnerability of petrol station workers, many of whom earn modest salaries, Zango highlighted the urgency of the situation.
“Given the harsh economic realities, workers cannot afford to wait indefinitely for relief. Rising healthcare costs mean that a single illness could deplete a worker’s entire income,” he warned.
He called upon IPMAN to take immediate and decisive action to provide health insurance for its members across the country. “Proactive measures by IPMAN would not only protect lives but also cultivate a stable and motivated workforce capable of sustaining operations within the downstream petroleum sector,” Zango concluded.
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