News
Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A prominent transporter in Oyo State and convener of a pressure group, “Know Your Right”, Kehinde Adebeshin a.k.a “Baba Ibeji” has cautioned the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to force the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products.
This surprise call came in the wake of industrial action by the PTD in Lagos State to protest the “persistent harassment” of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers attached to the Task Force and LASTMA officials in Lagos State.
Although the strike has been called off by the Union’s leadership on Wednesday, February 25, 2025; however Adebeshin decried the ripple effects of the hardship the action of PTD had caused Nigerians since Saturday, February 22, 2024, he described the Union’s decision as an act of economic sabotage. He maintained that it was unfortunate and regrettable that the union flagrantly failed to comply with the existing Lagos e-call-up enforcement which was aimed at regulating truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis.
Adebeshin blamed PTD and its parent body, NUPENG’s overzealousness and highhandedness on leadership gap, incompetence, lack of tact and administrative indiscretion. He also expressed disappointment on the implications of the strike on Telecom operators who also raised an alarm over an impending service disruption within Lagos and Ogun states, as diesel supply to their service locations were blocked for three consecutive days when the strike was on.
Adebeshin’s statement on Tuesday reads in parts:
“For lack of tact, competence, administrative discretion, and leadership gaps in operations, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have openly given opportunity for the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products and put a total stop to transportation of products through the road.
“The Union must be able to properly measure situations critically before down tooling, unfortunately, NUPENG and PTD have created room for business owners and Nigerians as a whole to label them economic saboteurs who stand the risk of being invited by the DSS. The Union brazenly failed to do its background check whether trucks arrested by Lagos State Task Force and LASTMA officials have not flaunted the existing Lagos e-call-up regulations which was designed to regulate truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis. Standing as an encumbrance to the government’s well intentioned program and policy is an affront which should never be tolerated.
“The circular by the Lagos State government to all stakeholders to streamline and regulate truck activities along Lekki-Epe axis of the state, effective March 1, 2025 did not exempt NUPENG or PTD, therefore all violators would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“NUPENG should note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has already collaborated with APM Terminals (APMT) to kick start container traffic service on the standard gauge railway, connecting Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan. This milestone can be replicated in the downstream sector of the Petroleum industry to enhance Petroleum products lifting and distribution activities, and providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation and ultimately help to reduce or put into a total halt, petrol tanker accidents which have claimed many lives and destroyed properties.
“It is good news to hear that NUPENG had eventually swallowed its pride by calling off the 3-day strike, they should engage more in peaceful dialogue with the government of Lagos State in the larger interest of Nigeria so as to foster symbiotic industrial harmony and prosperity. The Union should also try to fix the PTD leadership crisis in the nick of time and give room for people with vision, experience and positive direction to take charge of the PTD Branch and restore its old glory and dignity,” he said.
Nigeria has intensified its bid to host the African Union’s African Monetary Institute (AMI), with the Federal Ministry of Finance leading coordinated efforts to secure the institution ahead of its planned 2026 operationalisation.
The renewed push was articulated on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., where Nigeria is advancing its case as a credible host for the continental institution central to Africa’s monetary integration agenda.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Raymond Omachi, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, underscored the country’s full political and institutional backing for the initiative. He stated that Nigeria has moved beyond policy commitments to concrete delivery, with the necessary infrastructure and administrative arrangements already in place.
The Ministry emphasised that hosting the AMI aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic strategy of positioning Abuja as a hub for continental financial coordination. It noted that the institute represents a critical step toward deeper monetary cooperation, improved macroeconomic convergence, and a more integrated African financial system.
Earlier, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, had reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness through his representative, the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi. He indicated that a dedicated office facility has already been secured in Abuja and made available for inspection, reflecting the country’s preparedness to meet host country obligations.
According to the Ministry, Nigeria remains actively engaged with the African Union and is prepared to conclude all required agreements to ensure a seamless take-off of the institute within the stipulated timeline.
The African Monetary Institute, approved in February, is designed to strengthen policy coordination, stabilise exchange rate frameworks, and lay the groundwork for eventual monetary unification across the continent.
Senior continental stakeholders at the meetings reinforced the significance of the initiative. The African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, described the institute as a pivotal step toward a single African currency and deeper economic integration.
Similarly, Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank, Kevin Urama, noted that the institute would strengthen financial stability, improve debt sustainability, and address structural constraints posed by multiple currencies across the continent.
Nigeria’s engagement at the Spring Meetings reflects a deliberate effort to translate continental commitments into operational outcomes, with the Federal Ministry of Finance driving alignment across policy, infrastructure, and diplomatic channels.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced adjustment for the campaign period ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The adjusted schedule for the election was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election and adjusted the Osun State Governorship Election forward by one week from the 8th of August 2026 to the 15th.
“As a result of this adjustment, the last day for political parties’ campaigns in the state is now midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in line with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that campaigns shall end 24 hours prior to election day.
“The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline.
“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” the statement read.
Fresh allegations have surfaced against former Zamfara State Governor and current senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, accusing him of engaging in large-scale financial inducements aimed at influencing political figures and advancing his ambition to become Nigeria’s Vice President.
According to claims attributed to unnamed sources, Yari is allegedly distributing billions of naira to politicians and influential individuals, while reportedly keeping detailed records of such transactions for potential leverage. The allegations suggest that these actions are part of a broader effort to position himself as a possible running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should there be any change involving current Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The report further alleges that Yari has made substantial monthly payments to key political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as well as providing funds to presidential aides to secure access and influence.
In addition, Yari is said to have targeted individuals within the inner circle of the President, including associates and family members. One claim alleges that he distributed millions of dollars during a recent birthday event for Gilbert Chagoury.
The senator is also reportedly linked to the establishment of a political support group, the Renewed Hope Network, allegedly funded with billions of naira and coordinated through political ally James Abiodun Faleke.
Further allegations tie Yari to past financial dealings involving late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former First Lady Aisha Buhari, with claims that funds were exchanged and later referenced during investigations into alleged fraud cases.
Sources also claim that Yari’s wealth is partly derived from illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara State, alongside consultancy payments reportedly received from the Federal Government.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Yari or the individuals named in the allegations. The claims also remain unverified, and no formal charges or independent confirmations have been publicly established.
Nigeria intensifies push to host AU Monetary Institute, signals readiness at Spring Meetings
INEC adjusts Osun governorship election campaign period
Nigerian stocks rally again as investors gain N1.66tn, market cap crosses N136tn
-
News23 hours agoPDP approved appointment of Wike as minister – APC
-
News19 hours agoWike: Atiku a serial contestant, loser, he will still contest in 2031 (PHOTOS)
-
News18 hours agoBREAKING : Gunmen kidnap JAMB candidates, others in Benue
-
News23 hours agoSee Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 16th April 2026
-
News23 hours agoBBC to fire 2,000 workers to make £500m savings
-
News23 hours agoPresidency mocks Atiku over 2027 ambition, calls him serial loser, advises Obi to leave ADC
-
Opinion19 hours agoDIAMOND DISTINCTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE’S MAN; DR. CHIDO ONUMAH
-
News19 hours agoSacrifice to fatherland: Gov Okpebholo grants scholarships to Gen Braimah’s children
You must be logged in to post a comment Login