The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has asked the government to prioritise the welfare of oil workers, given the hazardous nature of their work.
In a statement on Thursday, Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN’s president, hailed oil and gas workers across the country on Workers’ Day.
According to Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, Gillis-Harry, while addressing journalists in Abuja, appealed to the government and stakeholders in the industry to improve welfare packages and expand health insurance for oil workers.
“Studies have shown that workers in areas where gas flaring is prevalent are at high risk of several health challenges, which can affect them physically, mentally and even increase cancer risks,” Gillis-Harry was quoted as saying.
The association said gas flaring remains a serious problem in Nigeria’s energy industry, exposing workers and nearby communities to harmful health and environmental effects.
The group said the impact of gas flaring highlights the urgent need for better health protection and general welfare for those working in the sector.
According to the statement, Gillis-Harry urged regulatory bodies to strictly enforce existing laws aimed at stopping gas flaring in the country.
“It’s imperative that we prioritise the health and well-being of our workers and protect the environment from the harmful effects of gas flaring,” the president said.
The spokesperson said PETROAN believes ending gas flaring would reduce its harmful impact on workers and host communities and help build a more responsible oil and gas industry.
Obele said PETROAN commended governors who have started paying the new minimum wage, especially those paying above the set rate.
“Billy Gillis-Harry called on governors who are yet to comply to do so in the shortest possible time, emphasising the need for workers to receive fair compensation for their labour,” he said.
He said the association also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to support oil and gas workers and ensure safe and healthy working environments.
Obele said PETROAN is of the view that better welfare and an end to gas flaring would boost productivity, reduce accidents, and raise performance across the industry.
