The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has called on petroleum tanker drivers to shelve their planned strike action.
The drivers had threatened to down tools over the pitiable conditions of roads across the nation.
The roads, they lamented, have become impassable and unsafe for the distribution of goods and services.
But the NNPC, in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad, appealed to them to shelve the proposed action in the interest of Nigerians.
He said even though it is not the responsibility of the NNPC to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distribution of petroleum products to different parts of Nigeria will adversely affect the business of the NNPC and endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long time now.
The NNPC assured the petroleum tanker drivers that in addition to the ongoing efforts by other agencies of government, it has initiated a process that will provide a quick and effective solution to the roads network challenges as expressed by the PTD.
The statement added: “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.
“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 recognises the legitimate concerns of the PTD, however, we appealed 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 advice Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive seasoned and beyond.”
