THERE are strong indications that Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, may begin 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.



Vanguard investigation revealed 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.

An official of PTD who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said “I have nothing to tell you other than that our ultimatum will expire tomorrow (Friday, October . 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.


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.”

https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/wp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/tanker-drivers-begin-nationwide-strike-weekend-over-bad-roads-others/amp/?usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D

Are they not going to resume until all the roads are fixed. Waste of time

Are they not among the reasons why the roads are bad. If no be to dey create traffic na to park for side, their accident dey always dey very disastrous.

And any accident dem go run first. Leave all the people dying and suffering.

When Buhari is done with the rail construction, most of this petroleum products will be transported by rail to reduce their road activities. 60% of spoilt roads are caused by this guys.

B

Take my signature seriously. You're not inputing even a Kobo on it.

The said bad roads should be mentioned in the communique. We have thousands of bad roads in Nigeria. The failed roads which are largely plied should be top priorities for repairs, and the safety measures on dispensing should be taken seriously. But this is Nigeria,we dont respond to preventives,till it turn out to crisis

Has road ever been good in Nigeria

Both parties are at fault , would be glad if the government gives a positive feedback,it's long over due.

Most roads are like death trap.

Abeg make dem no try am. I know what I passed through when they had problem with uzodinma in IMO state last month. I waka throughout owerri no filling station was selling fuel. During the peak of the crisis I bought a liter for 600. I had to travel to abia state to get fuel.

Please their demands should be met

I don't blame them, these people has really suffered here in the east..

Is it not their big tyres that have been pounding the road since...
It is their big ogas at the top that supposed to be agitating for good roads so that their _____ gotten wealth industries can move round the country.

Aidejay:
Are they not among the reasons why the roads are bad. If no be to dey create traffic na to park for side, their accident dey always dey very disastrous.

And any accident dem go run first. Leave all the people dying and suffering.

Not their fault really

Because we dont have a functioning nationwide railway and waterway transport system, all the frieght transport in this country is by roads and that puts pressure on the roads.

Thats on government ( in fairness to the goverment though they are fixing the railways but it would take lots of time to get them running well)

This Contree is finished
The poor can no longer afford 2 square meal

Now pms is set to be scarce

But we are particularly concerned about SWAGA

Aren't they part of the people spoiling the Road.

Just look at Road leading to Nitel in Satellite Town

Wonders shall never end. Tankers owners and drivers spoil our road. And they are protesting. Chai. OMG!

Aside the hardship it would bring Nigerians, we are in support if it will force this insensitive govt to work on the dilapidated roads especially in the South!

benuejosh:
When Buhari is done with the rail construction, most of this petroleum products will be transported by rail to reduce their road activities. 60% of spoilt roads are caused by this guys.

.

That is what you think.
When the time come,
Maybe non-criminal bandits will be transported.
I'm just joking with you oh. Na play

That auchi Road......God help us all

Wahala be like NUPENG strikes; e no de ever finish.
We are just treating symptoms in this country instead of the real ailment.

Fuel scarcity loading. All the roads in naija are bad. Tokunbo car I bought,my ball joint came off at 50kph,thank God my abs was working,no damage to fender,just mug guard damage, all due to bad roads wey I dey ply daily. In my area,pot holes are like 1000 .
Na only Abuja u go fir drive tokunbo car for 3 years and e go still be like tokunbo.

failed

Mtchewwww. Everybody dey protests even tanker driver too dey protests, no be them spoiled am, no be we wey dey use Rolls Royce, Bentley & Benz suppos dey protest

anorexicmuster:


Not their fault really

Because we dont have a functioning nationwide railway and waterway transport system, all the frieght transport in this country is by roads and that puts pressure on the roads.

Thats on government ( in fairness to the goverment though they are fixing the railways but it would take lots of time to get them running well)

understandable. Nigerian roads will be much safer with those guys off it.

Wahara dey ooo

Dry harmattan season,I'm already feeling sick,n
Who no get ac,go hear am. Not like naija get steady light.im tired of buying fuel,I need solar of 25batteries

benuejosh:
When Buhari is done with the rail construction, most of this petroleum products will be transported by rail to reduce their road activities. 60% of spoilt roads are caused by this guys.

I don't think those people are going to allow railway put them out of business that easy. I expect some saboteurs who will try to endear the already existing status quo.

And N190Billion has been spent on road construction and rehabilitation oh... who do us this thing ehn?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/nairametrics.com/2020/10/15/fg-earmarks-over-n190-billion-for-road-construction-in-the-6-geo-political-zones-by-2021/%3famp=1

Vanguard investigation revealed 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.

This is the height of government insensibility ... The strike is wholly endorsed if it is the only language the government will understand