Tanker drivers under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off the strike it started yesterday after a meeting with Lagos State government officials.
A communique jointly signed by Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote and Deputy National President of NUPENG, Solomon Kilanko, stated both parties agreed the government will meet with heads of all security agencies to prevent further disturbance of vehicles conveying petroleum products.
The two sides agreed the issue of “area boys” will be addressed by the State.
“A dedicated phone number will be established within one week to enable petroleum product transporters gain prompt access to security agencies.”
While assuring the allegation of extra-ordinary levies charged by a particular local government will be investigated promptly, the communique further reads: “The State government will continue to relate with all road users in the planning and execution of road works in the State”.
NUPENG also made a commitment all tankers will not exceed the loading capacity of trucks as provided in the regulations and in compliance with directives of the Department of Petroleum Resources.
Disclosing Lagos will review the timing restriction on movement of petroleum tankers within the next one week, Odusote said recommendations will be put forward to the government on ways to ease access of petroleum tankers to tank farms.
“Lagos State Government will immediately set up a standing committee to relate with the Union on an ongoing basis to address any issues as they arise,” the parties agreed.