After NNPC’s Intervention, Tanker Drivers Suspend Planned Strike Action

Following the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to Petroleum Tanker Drivers, the Union on Sunday said it has suspended its industrial action.

The Tanker Drivers had threatened to begin an indefinite strike as a result of the condition of roads in various parts of Nigeria which are used for the distribution of goods and services including petroleum products.

The other grievances of the Tanker Drivers are perceived refusal of the federal government to enforce the compulsory installation of safety valve in all petroleum trucks to protect the inflammable contents from spilling over in a situation of road mishaps and alleged continued abuse of the tonnage capacity of Petroleum trucks by marketers and transporters across the country.

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.

The NNPC had while reacting to the development on Sunday said even though it is not the responsibility of the Corporation to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distribution of petroleum products to different parts of Nigeria will adversely affect the business of the NNPC.

This, the statement noted, would endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long period of time.

In recognition of this, the NNPC in the statement assured the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, that, in addition to the ongoing efforts by other agencies of government, the Corporation has initiated a process that will provide a quick and effective solution to the roads network challenges as expressed by the PTD.

Having recognized that the major reason slowing down the rehabilitation of the road networks in the country is the paucity of funds, the NNPC in the statement expressed interest to invest in the reconstruction of select Federal roads.

This will be done under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Task Credit Scheme.

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.

It said the decision to shelve the planned strike follows the understanding reached with the Union by the management of NNPC at a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday and the expected outcome of the follow up meeting that is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 12, October 2021 in Abuja.

The Union in a statement jointly signed by the President, William Akporeha; and the General Secretary Afolabi Olawale said, “The suspension of our planned action is predicated on our belief that the understanding reached with the government today as well as at meeting of Tuesday 12th, October 2021 will be fulfilled to the letters.

“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.”