The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has requested that the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) hold off its planned strike.
NUPENG had on Saturday said it will commence a strike on December 11 to protest the bad condition of roads in the country.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC spokesperson, said while it recognises the concerns of the tanker drivers but embarking on strike will negatively affect energy security.
“The strike is about the condition of roads in various parts of Nigeria used for the distribution of goods and services including petroleum products,” the statement reads.
“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. It will also endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long time now.
“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 tanker drivers. We, however, appeal to the leadership of the drivers to reconsider their decision in the 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.”
