The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has felicitated with oil and gas workers across the country on the occasion this year’s Workers’ Day. PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, while acknowledging the invaluable contributions of oil and gas workers to the nation’s economy called on relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and well-being of oil and gas workers.
Dr. Gillis-Harry urged the government and industry players to consider increasing welfare packages and health insurance coverage for oil workers, given the hazardous nature of their job and the impact of continued gas flaring on their health and environment. According to him “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 cancer risks.”
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The PETROAN National President while stating that gas flaring has been a longstanding issue in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with severe environmental and health consequences for workers and host communities emphasized that the continued practice of gas flaring underscores the need for enhanced health insurance and welfare support for workers in the industry.
”We must prioritize the health and well-being of our workers and protect the environment from the harmful effects of gas flaring,” he said. He stated that the association believes that an end to gas flaring would not only mitigate the environmental and health impacts on workers and host communities but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible oil and gas industry.
PETROAN also congratulated State Governors who have paid the new minimum wage, especially those who exceeded the benchmark, and called on Governors who are yet to comply to do so in the shortest possible time, emphasizing the need for workers to receive fair compensation for their Labour. Dr. Gillis-Harry reaffirmed the commitment of PETROAN to partner with stakeholders in promoting the interests of oil and gas workers and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
