Transporters seek fair pricing for movement of petroleum goods
Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has demanded fair pricing to make transportation of petroleum products sustainable and profitable for industry operators. The group called on Nigerian Midstream and
Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has demanded fair pricing to make transportation of petroleum products sustainable and profitable for industry operators.
The group called on Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to fight monopoly in the industry.
President, Yusuf Othman, spoke at the body’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
Othman assured his members that NARTO, under him, would protect the interest of members.
He said: ‘‘We wish to commend Dangote Group for its patriotic investment in Nigerian economy, culminating in construction of the world’s largest single refinery and importation of 4,000 trucks to support local distribution of petroleum products.
‘‘This initiative will boost local refining capacity, improve product availability, and create jobs for Nigerians.
“However, the association will continue to stand firm against marginalisation and emasculation of transporters by monopolistic operators in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry.
“Through high-level diplomatic engagements with stakeholders and regulatory authorities, NARTO has remained a strong and credible voice in defence of its members. While commending the role of NMDPRA, we hope it will continue to ensure viability of the sector through fair pricing that make petroleum transportation sustainable and profitable.”
Othman lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration gesture through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and hailed the resolve to put federal highways in good shape.
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He said: “I thank President Bola Tinubufor his support to the transport sector through the CNG initiative.
“ We appreciate Mr. President’s progress in road construction and rehabilitation. As direct beneficiaries, we express our gratitude. I call on members and other road users to obey traffic regulations, particularly approved axle load limits, to preserve these roads for long-term sustainability.”
Othman, however, appealed to Federal Government to ensure “completion of projects, especially ahead of the rainy season.”
Expressing concern at increase in tanker explosions, and destruction of property, he called on governments to continue to enlighten about dangers of scooping fuel whenever there is such accidents.
He assured Nigerians that his association would continue to emphasise safety through constant sensitisation, advocacy, and training of its drivers.
Corps Marshall of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, who lauded the leadership for bringing together stakeholders in transport to talk on issues affecting road safety and operational standards, urged operators to prioritise their safety and that of others, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment and action.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi whose message was delivered by Chairman of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency ( FERMA), Alhaji Musa Babayo, assured the association of the present administration unwavering commitment to fixing bad federal roads across the country.
