Protesting the deplorable state of Nigeria’s highways and other logistics factors, NUPENG, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, says its Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, will commence strike on Monday.
Mr Tayo Aboyeji, South-West Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, said; “This is not the first time that we will signify our intention to go on strike but we have to call it off because it will generally affect majority of Nigerians but now our hands are tied.
“We are going on nationwide strike because of the deplorable and shameful state of our highways.
“When a truck loads petrol in Lagos, the drivers spend five to six days to get to Abuja because of the shameful state of the roads.
“All calls by the executive of petroleum unions have fallen on deaf ears of the government as the highways continue to deteriorate nationwide.
“The list of the highway are endless and the tanker drivers have been going through harrowing situation while rendering selfless national service.
“The increased rate of fire incidences involving petroleum tankers with accompanying massive destruction of lives and properties of our members and general public is enough.
On the abuse of tonnage by some of its members. Aboyeji said: “The unions do not want any truck to carry more than the approved capacity.”
Aboyeji said the union had given notice to the government to put all these in order to avert the nationwide strike on Monday.
“We know that the present administration would not do anything until we start the nationwide strike,” he said.
