Petroleum Tanker Drivers Begins Nationwide Strike Over Bad Roads In Nigeria

Petroleum Tanker Drivers are set to begin a nationwide strike during the weekend over bad roads in Nigeria.

Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) are reportedly planning to embark on a nationwide strike any moment from today over the deplorable conditions of federal roads across the country and two other pending issues.

The other grievances of the tanker drivers are perceived refusal of the federal government to enforce the compulsory installation of safety valve in all petroleum trucks to protect the inflammable contents from spilling over in a situation of road mishaps and alleged continued abuse of the tonnage capacity of Petroleum trucks by marketers and transporters across the country.

Recall that leaders of PTD had on September 25, issued an October 8, 2021 deadline to the Federal Government to address these pending issues, failing which members would down tools and resume the nationwide strike earlier scheduled for March 27, 2021, but was shelved after assurances by the government that the issues would be addressed.

It was gathered that since the strike notice was given on September 25, and October 7, not only had demands not been addressed, there had not been efforts by the government or its agents to reach out to the union.

According to Vanguard, an official of PTD who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “I have nothing to tell you other than that our ultimatum will expire tomorrow (Friday, October 8). As at today, Thursday, October 7, nothing has changed. The ultimatum subsists.”

On what will happen after the expiration, he said “the communiqué we issued on September 25, 2021 in Enugu has explained our next line of action. Do not forget, since Monday September 27, we have been on a work-to-rule action in accordance with the communiqué. Well, if you must know, the nationwide may begin this weekend or any moment after tomorrow (Friday).”

Leaders of PTD had in a communiqué issued at the end of its Branch Executive Council, BEC, meeting in Enugu, members resolved to begin a work-to-rule action from Monday, September 27.

A work-to-rule is a form of protest where workers go to work putting on unusual attire (black or red) or carrying leaves as a form of protest.

The communiqué said among others, “Council in session observed with grave concerns and disappointment the deplorable and shameful conditions of the Nigeria highways inspite of several calls and threats we have issued to the various layers of governments. These highways have turned to death traps and dens of trucks hijackers for the Petroleum Tanker Drivers. Our members are losing their lives and sources of livelihood on hourly basis.

“The list of these highways is endless and Petroleum Tanker Drivers have been going through harrowing situations even while rendering selfless national services, to ensure delivery of Petroleum products to homes and factories in every nook and cranny of this country, day and nights, in good and bad weather.”

On Trucks Safety Valve, the communiqué said “The Branch Executive Council in session reviewed with sadness, pains and deep worries the suspension of the ultimatum issued by the Branch Executive Council on the 27th March 2021 over the increasing rate of fire incidences involving petroleum trucks with accompanying massive destruction of lives and properties of our members and general public.”

KanyiDaily had also reported how filling stations went on indefinite strike in Port Harcourt, River State, to protest the arrest of some tanker drivers and seizure of their vehicles.