By Mohammed Mohammed
Information reaching Extraordinaire news on Sunday night, hinted that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDs) have called off their planned strike action.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday night that this development came after intensive engagement involving the leadership of the PTD, NNPC officials and other government agencies.
While foreclosing the call off of the planned strike, NNPC, said in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad that it appreciated 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.
In the same vein, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced the suspension of the intended withdrawal of the services of PTDs earlier scheduled to commence on Sunday night following the understanding reached with the Union by the management of NNPC at a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, 10th October 2021 and the expected outcome of the follow up meeting that is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 12, October 2021 in Abuja as contained in the communique issued today.
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.
The President of the Union, Comrade William Akporeha, while appending his signature, said to the suspension of the planned strike, said: “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.”