Leadway Health, a prominent health management organisation in Nigeria, has joined forces with the Petroleum Tankers Drivers of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to introduce a robust and reliable comprehensive health insurance plan for over 5,000 petroleum tanker drivers across Nigeria.
This strategic partnership, officially launched in Lagos is aligned with the visionary priorities of the newly elected leaders of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers. These leaders have underscored their commitment to the overall wellbeing of drivers through purposeful schemes, initiatives, and strategic collaborations.
The comprehensive health insurance package unveiled through this initiative ensures that tanker drivers benefit from uninterrupted healthcare services across a network of over 2,000 hospitals nationwide. This comprehensive health insurance coverage gives the enrolled Petroleum Tanker Drivers access to quality healthcare services, preventative care, emergency medical attention, ambulance services, and selected critical illnesses, thereby eliminating the financial burden of out-of-pocket medical expenditure, fostering peace of mind, and guaranteeing timely medical interventions.
Speaking on the scheme, Dr Tokunbo Alli, the CEO of Leadway Health Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s objective: “It is our mission as an organisation to provide a comprehensive health insurance cover that prioritises the health and wellbeing of every Nigerian, especially our tanker drivers, who diligently transport petroleum products across the nation, to energise industries and light up homes. Beyond delivering superior healthcare, Leadway Health will also conduct periodic outreaches to facilitate regular check-ups and care for Petroleum Tanker Drivers at various locations.”
Williams Akporeha, national president of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), speaking during the launch, said, “Today marks a historic moment in our Union’s journey towards the betterment of our members. This initiative, in collaboration with Leadway Health, reaffirms our commitment to the wellbeing of our members, emphasising our collective belief that every individual, regardless of occupation, deserves high-quality healthcare services.”
Acknowledging the drivers’ challenging conditions, including difficult terrains, harsh weather, long hours on the roads, and security concerns, Akporeha emphasised the importance of the Health Insurance Scheme: “We must acknowledge that this profession carries inherent risks and dangers. Accidents, injuries, and health-related complications are unfortunate realities that these brave individuals face every day. However, it is our moral obligation as a Union to provide them with the necessary support, care, and protection they deserve. I hereby urge every tanker driver to embrace this opportunity and utilise it to its fullest.”
Akporeha encouraged other organisations of like minds to emulate this historic feat by ensuring they implemented similar schemes for their members. “As we embark on this new chapter, I believe this Health Insurance Scheme will serve as a model for other Branches within our great Union. It is my aspiration that the success of this initiative will encourage others to follow suit, creating a society where every member of the Union is protected and cared for.
