NNPC to invest in road reconstruction, advises tanker drivers against strike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has pleaded with petroleum tanker drivers not to embark on their planned strike in the interest and nation.

The corporation also expressed interest to invest in reconstruction of select federal roads as part measures to address the concern of the tanker drivers.

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers had announced that the tanker drivers under the union would commence the strike on December 11 over bad roads in the country.

But the NNPC said through its spokesman Garbadeen Muhammad in a statement on Sunday that the strike would “endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long time now.’’

It also stated, “The strike is about the condition of roads in various parts of Nigeria used for the distribution of goods and services including petroleum products.

“While it is not the responsibility of the NNPC to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distribution of petroleum products will adversely affect the business of the NNPC.”

The corporation however said that in addition to ongoing efforts by other government agencies, it had initiated a process for a quick and effective solution to the road network challenges in the country.

It noted that having recognised paucity of funds as the major reason slowing down the rehabilitation roads, the corporation stated that it had expressed interest to invest in the reconstruction of select federal roads.

This, it said, would be done under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

It stated, “The thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through its Future Tax Liability.

“The NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognises the legitimate concerns of the tanker drivers. We, however, appeal to the leadership of the drivers to reconsider their decision in overall national interest.

“Accordingly, we urge petroleum tanker drivers 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 season and beyond.”