The Federal Government has begun plans to increase the freight rate of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) to N9.11 per litre, representing a 21.30 per cent increase from the current price of N7.51 per litre.
Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Road Transport Owners in Niger State, the Executive Secretary of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Ahmed Bobboi said the agency currently await the approval of the Federal Government’s approval to begin the implementation of the new freight rate of N9.11 per litre.
Bobboi said that the Federal Government expects the response of the organised labour on the recommendation by the joint committee as regard the increased electricity tariff and petrol price.
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The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari said that the set date to commence the implementation will be announced as soon as it is agreed upon.
The GMD, who was represented by the Corporation’s Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya, commended the association for its operations despite the daunting challenges in the country.
He said, “We are not unaware of the conditions of our roads, the insecurity, the highways, and also a number of extortions do take place along these highways.”
He charged the association, transport owners on compliance with safety standards laid down by the regulator to curb accidents involving petrol tankers and ensure hitch-free operation at the depot and on the highway.
“We will continue to make payment to PEF for deductions of dues due to you so that PEF will continue to pay your members as at when due,” he added.
The NARTO National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, in his remark urged the government to implement the new N9.11 freight rate to boost transport owners services and promote improved welfare for workers.
He said, “With the promise of the increase in freight rate, there will be more income that will allow more investments in the facilities and at the same time, our drivers will be happy because there is a clamour from them to increase their package and allowances from now to next month.
“I believe if that freight cost is reviewed, we are going to assent to their clamour and things will be fine by the grace of God.”
He noted that NARTO employs a large percentage of Nigerians, as well as account for a large percentage of revenue to government through taxes, rate and levies of all kinds.
He described the association as the mouthpiece for the projection and articulation of transporters’ problems to the extent that it was able to set up machinery for periodic review of freight rate with the Federal Government for the interest of all transport in Nigeria.