Tina Amanda
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to resume its suspended strike action, for the failure of the government to fix the mapped out twenty-one roads as agreed upon.
National Treasurer of NUPENG, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent, said the Union can no longer watch the continuous fall and explosion of its petroleum tanker trucks as a result of bad roads, which have caused loss of several lives, properties and resources.
The Union Leader explained bitterly that the funds meant to repair the roads are being diverted to other projects, while the Union continues to mourn and bury countless of her members from road accidents.
He maintained that government has no excuse not to have executed the twenty-one mapped out bad roads till now after a concrete agreement was reached between the Union and government in 2021.
“Last year, we gave an ultimatum, after the expiration of the ultimatum and while we were about commencing the strike action, the government intervened through the NNPC Group Managing Director. We had engaged in several negotiations and at the end of the day, a communique and agreement were reached between us government to immediately commence repairs on the twenty-one roads.
“Honestly, as a Union, we are so disappointed that the funds for the road repair is diverted to other projects neglecting what it is meant for. The delay on the road project has caused increase of road accidents, our tankers are on daily basis falling of the road causing explosion and loss of lives and properties.
“Imagine roads where small cars manage to drive through not to mention trucks that are fully loaded with petroleum products. Those tankers are owned by people and the petroleum products are also owned by, the resources being lost too belong to individuals.”
Comrade Agwanwor, however, expressed concern that the strike action is taking place at such a time when the masses are faced with serious economic pain, noting that the Union can not fold its hands and allow her members to die on the road due to government negligence.
“It is very unfortunate that the strike is happening at this time, the suspended strike will commence today or tomorrow. If immediate steps are not taken to address the issue, we will embark on strike without notice.
“The primary aim of the strike action is to withdraw our members from the road to avert further deaths, it is for the safety of our members. It is our duty as a Union to protect the welfare of our members.”
