NNPC reacts NUPENG planned strike, cautions against panic buying

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has called on Petroleum Tanker Drivers to, in the interest and welfare of the Nigerian people call off its planned strike action scheduled to begin on Monday, 11^th of October.

Recall that the South-west Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, Tayo Aboyeji, in an interview in Lagos last week said the tanker drivers’ wants to use strike action to protest the state of roads in the country.

Mr Aboyeji said all tanker drivers from the union would withdraw their services nationwide.

“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 the majority of Nigerians but now our hands are tied.

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In a statement by the NNPC on Sunday, assures the Petroleum Tanker Drivers that in addition to the ongoing efforts by other agencies of government, the NNPC has initiated a process that will provide a quick and effective solution to the roads network challenges as expressed by the PTD.

“Having recognised that the major reason slowing down the rehabilitation of the road networks in the country is the paucity of funds, the NNPC has expressed interest to invest in the reconstruction of select Federal roads under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Task Credit Scheme.

It said the thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through its Future Tax Liability.

“NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognizes the legitimate concerns of the PTD, we however appeal to the leadership and members to reconsider their decision in the overall national interest.

“Accordingly, we urge PTD to immediately call off the strike notice and give the current efforts by government and its agencies a chance to solve the challenges in the interest of all.

“We also wish to strongly advise Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive season and beyond.