…Warns Nigerians Against Panic Buying
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation on Sunday called on Petroleum Tanker Drivers to, in the interest and welfare of the Nigerian people call off its planned strike 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.
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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 earlier scheduled for March 27, 2021.
But reacting to the development on Sunday, the NNPC in a statement by Garba Deen Muhammad, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, 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 recognised 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.
The statement added, “The thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through it Future Tax Liability.
“NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognises the legitimate concerns of the PTD, we however appeal to the leadership and members to reconsider their decision in the overall national interest.
Accordingly, we urge PTD to immediately call off the strike notice and give the current efforts by government and its agencies a chance to solve the challenges in the interest of all.”
The NNPC in the statement strongly adviced Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the Corporation has sufficient stock to last through this festive season and beyond.