NUPENG To Begin Strike On Monday
The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, have resolved to embark on its planned strike action today, Monday following the inability of the Lagos State Government to reach an agreement on issues brought up the union.
NUPENG said until the issues of extortion and harassment of its members are addressed it will have no other option than to proceed with the strike.
In a statement signed by NUPENG National President, Williams Akporeha, he claimed that the union had made several appeals and reports to Lagos State Government and Presidential Task Force for the decongestion of Apapa on these challenges.
According to him even after the appeals, the government still failed to respond to them to allow members carry on their business effectively.
He said, “The entire rank and file members of the Union are deeply pained, frustrated and agonized by the barrage of these challenges being consistently faced by Petroleum Tanker Drivers in Lagos State and are left with no other option but to direct the withdrawal of their service in Lagos State until Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders address these critical challenges.
“We cannot afford to fold our arms while our members are being consistently and continually extorted, intimidated, harassed and victimised by different groups and segments in Lagos. “
On the extortion of Tanker Drivers by some security operatives, he said, “it is really disturbing and as well inexplicable that security agents who are expected to ensure free-flow of traffic and protection of road users now use their uniforms and arms to intimidate, harass and extort money from the Petroleum Tanker Drivers.
“This reprehensible conduct is taking serious tolls on the psychological, emotional and financial state of Petroleum Tankers Drivers and their capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver services to the nation.
“This menace must stop and the leadership of these security operatives on Lagos State must go all out to call their men to order with immediate effect. Everyone of them should be contented with their salaries and allowances rather than turning hapless Petroleum Tanker Drivers to money making machine.
The National President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Williams Akporeha, and the General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi, had in a statement issued on Friday, directed tanker drivers to begin withdrawal of their services as from 12 midnight on Monday.
