By Adewale Sanyaolu
As Nigeria marked Workers’ Day yesterday, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has renewed calls for the Federal Government and key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to strengthen welfare and health insurance provisions for industry workers exposed to hazardous conditions.
Addressing the media in Abuja, PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, lauded the dedication of oil and gas workers to Nigeria’s economic stability, while drawing attention to the dangers they face, particularly in regions affected by persistent gas flaring.
“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,” he said.
Gillis-Harry emphasized that gas flaring remains a critical issue in Nigeria’s oil industry, posing grave environmental and health threats not just to host communities but especially to frontline oil workers. He urged the Federal Government to champion the implementation of stronger health and welfare policies that adequately protect these workers.
“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,” he added.
He further called on regulatory agencies to rigorously enforce existing laws aimed at curbing gas flaring, insisting that ending the harmful practice would not only preserve the health of workers and communities but also support Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable and responsible energy sector.
“PETROAN believes that by prioritising the welfare of workers and enforcing regulations to end gas flaring, the industry can improve productivity, reduce accidents, and enhance overall performance,” Gillis-Harry noted.
In his Workers’ Day message, he also praised state governors who have implemented or exceeded the new minimum wage, urging those who have yet to comply to do so without delay in the spirit of fairness and equity.
“PETROAN also congratulates all state governors who have paid the new minimum wage, especially those who exceeded the benchmark,” he said, adding that fair compensation is a vital pillar of national workforce motivation and dignity.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to create a safer, healthier, and more rewarding working environment for oil and gas professionals across the country.