NUPENG shelves proposed nationwide strike over bad roads

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended withdrawal of services of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) billed to commence yesterday night.

A statement by its president, Williams Akporeha, explained that the decision followed an understanding reached between the union and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday.

NUPENG had directed members to immediately embark on work to rule action in preparation for total withdrawal of services from October 8, 2021, if the Federal Government fails to address its demands.

According to Akporeha, “the suspension of our planned action is predicated on our belief that the understanding reached with the government today (yesterday) as well as at meeting of Tuesday, October 12, 2021 will be fulfilled to the letters.”

He added: “We wish to clearly made it known to all well-meaning Nigerians that have variously appealed to us on these issues that our plan 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.”