*The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation says it acknowledges the legitimate concerns of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers but appeals to their leadership and members to reconsider their decision in the overall national interest of Nigerian consumers

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the state oil firm says it is currently collaborating with other government agencies on efforts at providing an effective solution to the roads network challenges earlier noted by the body, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has called on the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) to call off its scheduled strike in the interest and welfare of consumers.

ConsumerConnect reports the tanker drivers’ proposed industrial action is about the condition of roads in various parts of the country, used for the distribution of goods and services including petroleum products.

Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, in a statement issued Sunday, October 10, 2021, in Abuja, FCT, however, said 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 and endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long time now.

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

The statement also noted having recognised that the major reason slowing down the rehabilitation of the road networks in the country is the paucity of funds, the NNPC has expressed “interest to invest in the reconstruction of select Federal roads under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Task Credit Scheme.”

Muhammad stated that the thrust of 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,” said the statement.

The Corporation, therefore, urges PTD to immediately drop the strike notice and give the government and its agencies a chance to solve the challenges in the interest of all.

“We also wish to strongly advice Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive season and beyond,” added the statement.