The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation intervened on behalf of Petroleum Tanker Drivers, and the Union announced on Sunday that it has terminated its strike.
Because of the state of highways in many parts of Nigeria that are used for the distribution of goods and services, including petroleum products, the Tanker Drivers had vowed to embark on an indefinite strike.
Recall that leaders of PTD had on September 25, issued an October 8, 2021 deadline to the Federal Government to address these pending issues, failing which members would down tools and resume the nationwide strike on Sunday night.
Remember that on September 25, PTD leaders gave the Federal Government until October 8, 2021 to resolve these outstanding issues, failing which members would lay off and resume the statewide strike on Sunday night.
Even though it is not the Corporation’s obligation to build or renovate roads, any disruption in the transport of petroleum products to various regions of Nigeria will negatively affect the NNPC’s operations, the NNPC said in a statement on Sunday.
This, according to the statement, would jeopardize the country’s energy security, which it has enjoyed for a long time.
In acknowledgement of this, the NNPC assured the Petroleum Tanker Drivers in a statement that, in addition to other government agencies’ ongoing efforts, the Corporation has launched a procedure that will give a speedy and effective solution to the PTD’s road network difficulties.
Recognizing that a lack of cash is the main impediment to the restoration of the country’s road networks, the NNPC showed interest in investing in the reconstruction of chosen Federal roads in a statement.
The Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Task Credit Scheme of the Federal Government would be used for t his.
Shortly after the intervention of the NNPC, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers on Sunday night announced the suspension strike action earlier scheduled to commence midnight of Sunday, 10th October 2021.
Shortly after the NNPC intervened, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers declared on Sunday night that the strike action slated to begin at midnight on Sunday, October 10th, 2021 would be suspended.
It claimed the decision to call off the planned strike was based on an agreement struck with the Union by NNPC management at a meeting conducted on Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the expected outcome of a follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in Abuja.
“We wish to clearly make it known to all well-meaning Nigerians that have variously appealed to us on these issues that our planned strike was not intended to inflict further pains on Nigerians but to ensure observance of minimum safety on our highways for the good of lives and properties.
“We are well aware of the impacts our actions usually have on the people, businesses and the nation at large but we cannot continue to watch as things continue to degenerate in our industry.
“In the light of the above, the Union will not hesitate to re- commence the action without any notice if the understanding reached in these two meetings are not fully implemented within the timeframe agreed.
“With this, our Petroleum Tanker Drivers are hereby directed to continue providing services for the efficient and effective distribution of Petroleum products to homes and workplaces across the country.”
