From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Apparently worried about the economic hardship Nigerians are currently facing, a group, Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria(FGGN) has appealed to the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to suspend strike action . 
The association of Road Transport Owners had penultimate Thursday, threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what they described as high operational costs engineered by rising inflation rates in the country.
The umbrella body of all commercial transport owners and operators in Nigeria said they were left with no option than to embark on strike after all efforts made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rates for operations proved abortive
In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and  Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, expressed worry that the strike will also  affect supply of petroleum products; create discomfort and stir up tension.
The Forum  noted that in the face of rising cost of living and economic hardship, strike action will be adding more pains to excruciating pains caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
While calling on federal government to immediately meet with the union to suspend the strike, the group called on NARTO and other road transport  unions to consider the option of dialogue as alternative means to resolving  the problem at hand .
According to the statement, “the forum believe NARTO has the right to fight for its members as a pressure group, but we are  kicking  against the idea of writing a letter directing all members not to make their Petroleum Trucks available for Petroleum Products loading activities from Monday, 19th day of February 2024.
“Strike action now is more or  less,counter productive, considering this critical period of rising inflation curve .
“We are appealing  to the union members to immediately suspend the strike in the interest of masses and consider other options for dispute resolution.
“We fully support a collective effort for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery.
“And quite agree with union that there is definitely no way it can continue in business within the context of the current economic situation in the country”.