By YANGE IKYAA
The leadership of Petroleum Tanker Drivers in Nigeria has called off its planned strike action, which was slated to commence today.
According to a statement issued Sunday night by Garba Deen Muhammad, who is the group general manager, group public affairs division of NNPC,
this development came after intensive engagement involving the leadership of PTD, as well as NNPC officials and other government agencies.
“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,” the statement read in part.
In a related development, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers at the same time announced the suspension of the intended withdrawal of services of Petroleum Tanker Drivers earlier scheduled to commence midnight of Sunday, 10th October 2021.
This, they said, followed the understanding reached with the Union by the management of NNPC at a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State on 10th October 2021 and the expected outcome of the follow up meeting that is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 12th October 2021 in Abuja as contained in the communique issued at the end of the meeting in Ibadan.
The full statement signed by Comrade William Akporeha, president of the union, and Comrade Afolabi Olawale
General, who is the secretary, reads as follows:
“The suspension of our planned action is predicated on our belief that the understanding reached with the government today as well as at meeting of Tuesday 12th, October 2021 will be fulfilled to the letters.
“We wish to clearly made 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 properties.
“We are well aware of the impacts our actions usually have on the people, businesses and the nation at large but we cannot continue to watch as things continue to degenerate in our industry.
“In the light of the above, the Union will not hesitate to re- commence the action without any notice if the understanding reached in these two meetings are not fully implemented within the timeframe agreed.
“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.
Our Solidarity remains constant, for the Union makes us strong.”
