NARTO, NUPENG-PTD suspend planned strike as NNPC intervenes

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have suspended their planned strike following intervention by NNPC Ltd.

The parties also pledged to cooperate in ensuring the nationwide availability of petroleum products.

The suspension notice was announced in a communiqué following a key stakeholders meeting between NNPC Ltd., the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), PTD, NARTO and NUPENG in Abuja on Thursday.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Malam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, NNPC, Otunba Salmon Oladiti, National Chairman PTD, Mr. Yusuf Otthman, NARTO President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, NUPENG President and Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director, Finance and Admin, NMDPRA.

NUPENG and PTD had announced their strike after their investigations revealed that officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing are currently diverting funds allocated by NNPC Limited for the rehabilitation of 21 major highways.

The road rehabilitation announcement said the NNPC provided updates on the current status of road construction and rehabilitation projects under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Program.

It said the NNPC had assured stakeholders that the funds allocated for the 21 key roads would be used exclusively for the intended purpose.

“To allay the fears of stakeholders, NNPC and all parties commit to cooperate in monitoring the road construction projects,” it said.

The communication on the review of freight rates for transport companies states that the parties called for a conclusion to the ongoing discussion on the review of freight rates to cover operating costs.

It was noted that stakeholders had highlighted the precarious situation in which truck owners find themselves given the current economic reality.

It was also noted that the NMDPRA had informed the Assembly that a tariff review committee had been set up, comprising PTD, NARTO and NUPENG, among other stakeholders.

It said all parties agreed to work expeditiously towards completing the freight rate review and submitting recommendations to the government.

According to the statement, the agency will announce the final completion date in the week of February 21.

“The parties also agreed to promote cooperation in ensuring the nationwide availability of petroleum products.
“All parties have agreed to work closely together to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products throughout the country,” it said.