Petroleum Tanker Drivers union, (PTD), on Wednesday, ordered members to halt distribution of petroleum products from Lagos to the northern part of the country from tomorrow (Thursday) till further notice.
The union, in a statement by its National Chairman, Otunba Salimon Oladiti, explained that the action became necessary following the shut out of heavy trucks, including tankers, from using all the link roads in Minna, Niger State capital, by the state government from midnight September 15.
Parts of the statement issued by Oladiti read, “We want to use this medium to inform the general public that from tomorrow (Thursday, September 17), our members will not be lifting products from Lagos to the northern part of the country because the Niger State government has shut out heavy-duty trucks, including tankers, from passing through the state.
“The only alternative road is not motorable. This is Bida- Agai- Lapai-Lambata Road. In fact, this road is a deathtrap.
“When we got wind of the plan of the Niger State Government to shut the roads about weeks back, I spoke to the Minister of Works through one of his aides and he assured that the ministry would do palliative and remedial works on the road.
“Unfortunately, over two weeks after our discussion, nothing has been down on the roads.
“As leaders, we have to do the needful and protect the lives of our members from avoidable accidents and attacks from hoodlums.
“So starting from tomorrow, September 17, our members will not be lifting products from Lagos to the Northern part of the country.
“Until the Federal Government makes the alternative road motorable, our members will not resume lifting of products to the northern part of the country.
“In the letter to our State Chairman, the Niger State Government, through its Ministry of Transport, dated September 9, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Abdullahi U. Imam, informed us about its decision to shut out all heavy trucks vehicles from passing through the link and major roads in the state from Tuesday.”
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