Labour advocates in Nigeria are putting pressure on the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to establish a health insurance scheme for workers at petrol stations across the country. This urgent call comes on the heels of a similar initiative recently launched by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for employees at its own retail outlets.
Advocates Set Benchmark with NNPCL Move
The demand was made public in a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, December 22, 2025, by Ibrahim Zango, the Convener of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers. Zango praised the NNPCL's action as both timely and commendable, stating that it has now set a clear standard that independent petroleum marketers, who are members of IPMAN, must follow.
He argued that access to healthcare should be a fundamental right for all workers in the downstream petroleum sector, regardless of whether they are employed by the national oil company or by independent marketers. "Their lives are equally important, and their contributions keep the sector running," Zango emphasized.
Daily Health Risks and Economic Vulnerability
The advocates highlighted the severe occupational hazards faced by petrol station employees daily. These workers, including pump attendants, cleaners, security personnel, and managers, are routinely exposed to toxic fumes and constant fire hazards, often while working long hours.
Zango pointed out that the current economic climate, marked by rising healthcare costs, has worsened the vulnerability of these workers, many of whom earn very 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 stated.
This financial strain is compounded by reports of low pay in the sector. Despite working for major energy companies, many attendants revealed they earn between N20,000 and N30,000 monthly, which is significantly less than the national minimum wage of N70,000.
A Call for Immediate Action and Organized Leadership
The group is calling for immediate steps from IPMAN to roll out health insurance coverage for workers employed by its members nationwide. They believe such a move would not only protect workers' health and dignity but also ensure a more stable and motivated workforce, which is crucial for sustaining operations in the vital downstream sector.
Zango also addressed the structure of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, clarifying that its current leadership was formed out of necessity due to persistent welfare issues, rather than through a formal election. He stressed the importance of building organized leadership structures at local, state, and national levels to better coordinate and engage with stakeholders for the welfare of petrol station workers.
