The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers have announced the suspension of the intended withdrawal of the services of Petroleum Tanker Drivers earlier scheduled to commence midnight of Sunday, 10th October 2021. 

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers threatened to embark on the strike action to protest the terrible conditions of the roads in the country. They say that the state of these roads leads to drawn-out trips when delivering their products and also poses a threat to the safety of these drivers.

According to a press statement jointly signed by the Union president, Comrade William Akporeha, and Comrade Afolabi Olawale, the General Secretary noted that the decision followed the understanding reached with the Union by the management of NNPC at a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Sunday, 10th October 2021. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the engagement, urged the petroleum tanker drivers to call the strike off and they pledged to invest in the rehabilitation of the roads that are critical to the transportation of petroleum products.

They also expect more outcomes from the follow up meeting that is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 12, October 2021 in Abuja as contained in the communique issued today.

Speaking further, the statement said, "The suspension of our planned action is predicated on our belief that the understanding reached with the government today as well as at meeting of Tuesday 12th, October 2021 will be fulfilled to the letters.

"We wish to clearly made it known to all well meaning Nigerians that have variously appealed to us on these issues that our planned was not intended to inflict further pains on Nigerians but to ensure observance of minimum safety on our highways for the good of lives and properties. 

"We are well aware of the impacts our actions usually have on the people, businesses and the nation at large but we cannot continue to watch as things continue to degenerate in our industry.

"In the light of the above, the Union will not hesitate to re- commence the action without any notice if the understanding reached in these two meetings are not fully implemented within the timeframe agreed.

"With this, our Petroleum Tanker Drivers are hereby directed to continue providing services for the efficient and effective distribution of Petroleum products to homes and workplaces across the country.

"Our Solidarity remains constant for the Union makes us strong," the statement concluded.