Nigeria’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers suspend planned strike

*The Petroleum Tanker Drivers announce the suspension of their scheduled strike, sequel to an understanding reached with the Management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and considering the far-reaching impacts of such industrial action on Nigerian consumers, businesses and the country at large

*We appreciate the maturity and patriotism of the leadership of the PTD towards finding an effective solution to the concerns raised ─NNPC Spokesman

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Following an understanding reached with the oil workers’ Union by the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at a meeting held Sunday, October 19, 2021, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, and the expected outcome of a follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, in Abuja, FCT, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced the suspension of the intended withdrawal of services by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports NUPENG, a trade union representing workers in the extractive industries in the West African country,  disclosed this development in a statement issued by Comrade William Akporeha, President of NUPENG and Comrade Afolabi Olawale, General Secretary of the Union, at night on Sunday.

The NUPENG leadership said that the oil workers’ Union took the measure, based on the understanding it reached with the Management of the NNPC at a meeting in Ibadan.

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of NNPC

This publication had reported the tanker drivers initially proposed to commence their industrial action midnight of Sunday, October 10, 2021, over what they described as the poor condition of roads in various parts of the country, being used for the distribution of goods and services, including petroleum products.

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The Union’s statement noted: “The suspension of our planned action is predicated on our belief that the understanding reached with the government today (Sunday) as well as at meeting of Tuesday 12th, October 2021, will be fulfilled to the letter.

“We wish to clearly make it known to all well-meaning Nigerians that have variously appealed to us on these issues that our planned 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 property.”

The oils workers’ Union also said that Nigerian consumers are well aware of the impacts their actions usually have on the generality of the people, businesses and the country at large.

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However, statement further explained Union stated it just “cannot continue to watch as things continue to degenerate in our industry.”

“In the light of the above, the Union will not hesitate to recommence the action without any notice, if the understanding reached in these two meetings is not fully implemented within the timeframe agreed.

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“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,” it said.

NNPC commends PTD’s decision to shelve strike

Meanwhile, in its reaction to the development Sunday night, the NNPC also confirmed in a statement, that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers have called off their planned strike.

Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, stated “this development came after intensive engagement involving the leadership of the PTD, NNPC officials and other government agencies.”

The Corporation’s Spokesman said: “NNPC wishes to appreciate the maturity and patriotism of the leadership of the PTD; and to also reiterate its resolve to actively participate in finding a quick and effective solution to the concerns raised by the PTD.”