Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PTD-NUPENG) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that work commences in earnest on the repair of federal highways, for which public funds have been earmarked across the country.
Additionally, the Union expressed dissatisfaction over its exclusion from the ongoing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) scheme of the present administration.
The PTD-NUPENG’s position is part of resolutions in a communiqué issued at the end of its quarterly National Executive Committee meeting held in Benin, Edo State, at the weekend.
Recall that the Federal Government, at the end of its Federal Executive Council meetings held in June and October this year, announced approval for the sum of N42.4 billion and ₦740 billion, respectively, for the repair of certain federal highways in the country.
In a communiqué signed by Comrades Augustine Egbon and Oluchi Chinagorom, National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of PTD-NUPENG, they urged all the relevant federal agencies of government to take necessary measures to ensure that Nigerians get value for the public funds by insisting that contractors fix the federal roads before the peak of the rainy season.
“We commend the Federal Government for giving favourable consideration to the repair of federal highways towards making the roads safer, more passable, and lessening the burden on transporters whose livelihoods depend on quality road networks.
“We recall that the present administration had, in the last year, earmarked huge public funds to put the federal highways in good shape.
“In June this year, a total sum of N42.4 billion was approved by the Federal Executive Council as the cost of variation for three federal roads in the country.
“Again, last October, FEC approved ₦740 billion for the Berger stretch of the Abuja-Kano route.
Other News
“We also wish to remind Nigerians that under the past administration, specifically in 2021, the sum of N621.2 billion was approved for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use for the reconstruction of 21 federal roads spread across the six geopolitical zones in the country under what was called the strategic intervention under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure and Refreshment Tax Credit Scheme.
“Having shown commitment to fixing the roads, unlike its predecessor, we urge the Federal Government to walk the talk by pushing the contractors to site before the commencement of the rainy season.
“Unnecessary delays on the part of the government and contractors could be inimical to the interests of Nigerian commuters and transporters, as it would be counterproductive to resort to desperate measures during the rainy season.
“A stitch in time saves nine. We don’t want a situation where untouchable contractors abandon sites and hold the government to ransom by demanding cost variations.
“We further appeal to the FG to redeem its pledge on the repair of the Shagamu-Benin road, the Makurdi-Katsina-Ala road, the Kachako-Dambazua road in Kano State, the Yola-Hong-Mubi road in Adamawa State. Last but not least are the Okene-Auchi-Benin and Lanai-Agai-Bida roads.
“Attention must also be given to the East-West road from Benin-Warri to Port Harcourt, which is in deplorable condition.”
Decrying its exclusion from the list of beneficiaries of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits, the Union appealed to the relevant FG Ministry to integrate it into the disbursement.
“As a player in the downstream oil and gas sector involved in the haulage of petroleum products, tanker drivers have been excluded from the CNG scheme.
“There have been no CNG kits for tanker drivers. We can use CNG too to power our tankers. It isn’t only for people using smaller cars. Tankers also need cheaper fuel,” the communiqué said.
