A potential service disruption looms as the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) expresses its concern about the government’s alleged inaction regarding the state of the country’s roads.
This warning came in the wake of a serious accident on Independence Day, resulting in casualties among Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDs) and other civilians on the Ologbo section of the Warri-Benin highway.
A statement, bearing the signatures of President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale and dated yesterday, underscores NUPENG’s deep apprehension regarding the frequent and preventable fatalities.
While requesting understanding from the public, the oil workers have asserted their determination to initiate decisive actions in the coming weeks, with the goal of compelling both federal and state governments to respond to the situation.
The efforts, they noted, might include total withdrawal of services from ‘these death traps called federal highways.’
In his accusation, Akporeha pointed fingers at both levels of government, asserting that they have been indifferent to the struggles of the economically disadvantaged citizens who rely on these failing roads for their essential services.
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He insisted on the urgent repair of all bad roads nationwide as a measure to prevent additional casualties.
In the NUPENG chief’s opinion, the October 1 collision provided evidence of the nation’s appreciation for and commitment to the sacredness of human life.
According to him, the lives of Nigerians are being wasted daily as a result of the ‘callousness, insensitivity and negligence of leaders whom citizens entrust their lives to.’
He recounted that the union had on several occasions repaired dilapidated portions to make them passable for members and other road users.
Akporeha said: ‘This was an avoidable and unfortunate tragedy if our political leaders weren’t so callous, irresponsible and insensitive to the plight of the ordinary masses they claim to be leading and representing.’
‘Without any doubt whatsoever, this was an accident that waited so long before it happened, and the leadership of our great union did so much to avert it.’
‘We spent workers’ hard-earned money to put hardcore stones and sands several times on many portions of this highway every year to make it passable for our members and other road users.’
‘We made several advocacy calls and campaigns for repairs of these roads, and even issued threats of industrial actions to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the tragic accident in waiting, yet no response, until this happened.’