The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has called off its two-day nationwide strike after the intervention of the Federal Government. The strike, which began on Monday, saw petrol tanker drivers halting operations in protest against challenging economic conditions and increased diesel prices.
The suspension of operations by the tanker drivers, under the umbrella of NARTO, resulted in fuel queues in many states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as petroleum products were not being transported across the country.
However, following a meeting with government officials and stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, an agreement was reached to address the concerns of the fuel transporters.
Yusuf Othman, the President of NARTO, confirmed the resolution, stating that stakeholders in the downstream oil sector had agreed to increase the freight rate for petroleum transporters and gradually resolve their grievances.
The meeting, held in Abuja, also included representatives from the Nigerian Mid-stream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, and other key stakeholders.
“We have reached some agreements, and members of NARTO have agreed to resume operations to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians in accessing petroleum products,” Lokpobiri announced after the meeting.
With the strike called off, normal operations are expected to resume, easing the strain on fuel supply across the country.
