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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has waded into the strike embarked by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), assuring that the issues raised by the truckers will be addressed to ensure the country is not grounded.
NARTO National President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, in a circular dated February 15, said his members would down tools from February 19, as a result of what he described as “excruciating challenges petroleum truck owners are facing with the high operational costs in the Industry.”
But the minister, after a closed-door meeting with the leadership of NARTO and some tanker drivers, yesterday in Abuja, said the issues would be resolved in no distant time.
He said: “We have been having a meeting with the stakeholders in the downstream petroleum industry. It is based on some concerns that were raised.
“Engagement will still continue and we hope to find solutions as soon as possible. The engagement will continue throughout this night till tomorrow.
“At the end of it all, we will be able to tell Nigerians the outcome of our engagement. We have pointed very clearly that they have demonstrated patriotism that is why they are here.
“Let it be known that the issues have nothing to do with government; it is basically commercial.
“As government we have intervene so that Nigerians will not suffer unduly. I thank you for coming but we have not finished. When we finish, we will announce it to you on the final solution.”
