The Bola Tinubu-led government is gearing up to engage in discussions with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) leadership in a bid to prevent the potential suspension of fuel transportation operations.
This move comes in response to NARTO’s recent directive instructing its members to cease petroleum truck loading activities starting from Monday, February 19, 2024, due to concerns over high freight rates and operational costs.
In a letter dated February 15, 2024, addressed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), NARTO attributed its decision to the exorbitant costs associated with their operations. Yusuf Othman, President of NARTO, revealed in a conversation with Punch that the association’s members and oil marketers have been engaged in discussions since Saturday, following orders from the Federal Government.
Othman disclosed that a meeting involving the downstream regulator, the Ministry of Petroleum, NARTO members, and other stakeholders is scheduled to take place today in Abuja to address the underlying issues.
He emphasized that NARTO members are not embarking on a strike but are rather withdrawing their services as independent business operators. Othman clarified, “We are discussing with the marketers, and they have proposed some increase in the transportation arrangement, and right now, we are discussing with our executives with a view to consider the matter.”
The President of NARTO also highlighted the association’s efforts to seek government intervention by alerting relevant authorities through letters, including the Petroleum Minister and the Department of State Services (DSS).
While expressing hope for a resolution before the scheduled suspension of operations, Othman underscored the necessity for improved freight rates considering the soaring operational costs faced by NARTO members.
Amidst ongoing discussions and government directives for negotiations, the looming threat of fuel supply disruption underscores the urgency for a swift resolution to ensure uninterrupted petroleum product transportation across the country.
