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Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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May Day: Senator Manu celebrates with Nigerian workers

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The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.

Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:

“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.

The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.

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He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.

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Ibas Pledges Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

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The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.

This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.

The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.

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These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.

Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.

He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.

The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.

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Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.

On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.

He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.

While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.

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According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.

Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.

Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.

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Just In: Explosion rocks Borno military barracks

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Panic has gripped residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as multiple explosions rocked the Giwa Barracks in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident reportedly began at about 12:05 am, with residents in the vicinity forced out of their homes by the sounds of loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky around the barracks.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents living in the area confirmed that the blast came from the armoury area

One of the residents, Rakiya Garba, confirmed the presence of men of the fire service, with sirens sounding all around the area

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“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.

“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks

He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.

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He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.

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