NUPENG calls off strike as Lagos govt meets union

Moshood Adebayo, Lagos

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off its strike which commenced earlier today.

A communique jointly signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote, and the Deputy National President of NUPENG Solomon O Kilanko, stated that both parties agreed, at a meeting held earlier today.

During the meeting which held at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, he disclosed that overnment would meet with heads of all security agencies to prevent further disturbance of vehicles conveying petroleum products.

The two sides, which agreed that the issue of “area boys” will be addressed by the state, added that a dedicated phone number will be established within one week to enable petroleum product transporters gain prompt access to security agencies.

While assuring that the allegation of extra-ordinary levies charged by a particular local government will be investigated promptly, the communique read: ‘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 that all tankers will not exceed the loading capacity of trucks as provided in the regulations and in compliance with the directives of the Department of Petroleum Resources.

Odusote, who further disclosed that the State will review the timing restriction on movement of petroleum tankers within the next one week, 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 statement added.