By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has called on Petroleum Tanker Drivers to call off its planned strike in the interest and welfare of the Nigerians.
This is contained in a statement by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Garba Deen Muhammad on Sunday.
The strike is about the condition of roads in various parts of Nigeria which are used for the distribution of goods and services including petroleum products.
However, even though it is not the responsibility of the NNPC to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distrubution of petroleum products to different parts of Nigeria will adversely affect the business of the NNPC and endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyted for a long time now.
In recognition of this, the NNPC wishes to assure 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.
The thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through it Future Tax Liability.
NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognises 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 advice Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive seasond and beyond.”Let the media, through their contents, provide the needed guide to the government and the led as ‘whatever has passed the credibility test of the press is deemed to have won the sanctity of truth’ and the rule of law.
“We are confident that Isiguzo will keep the flag of journalism profession flying and ensure that the welfare of media professionals remains a factor to be held in trust in his interface with employers”, Idachaba enthused..