* Parties resolve to ensure availability of petroleum products
A timely intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Thursday, averted the industrial action being planned by ‘critical stakeholders’ in the oil and gas sector over the state of roads in the country.
During the meeting held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the stakeholders reviewed key areas of discontent, and agreed to work closely to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.
At the end of the engagement, a communiqué was issued and signed by leaders on behalf of their respective entities.
The communiqué read thus:
Following the engagement between NMDPRA, NNPC, PTD, NARTO, and NUPENG, the parties resolved as follows:
1. Road Rehabilitation
* NNPC provided updates on the current status of the road construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme and assured the stakeholders (NUPENG, NARTO and PTD) that the funding earmarked for the 21 critical roads will be applied for the intended purpose only.
* To allay the fears of the stakeholders, NNPC and all parties commit to working together in the monitoring of the road projects.
2. Review of freight rate for transporters
* The stakeholders requested for completion of the ongoing discussion on the review of the freight rates to cover operational costs and highlighted the precarious situation that truck owners face in the light of current economic realities.
* NMDPRA informed the meeting that a committee has been constituted to review the rates, which includes PTD, NARTO and NUPENG in addition to other stakeholders.
* All parties agreed to work expeditiously towards concluding the review of the freight rate and make recommendations to the Government. The Authority to advise on definite close-out date during the week of 21st February 2022.
3. Collaboration on ensuring nationwide availability of petroleum products
* All parties agreed to work closely to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.
From left:
Alh. Yusuf Lawal Othman (NARTO), Comrade Williams Akporeha (NUPENG), Abiodun Adeniji (ED F&A, NMDPRA), Mallam Mele Kyari (NNPC Limited), and Otunba S.A Oladiti (PTD)