The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a part of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has urged the federal government to begin repairs on major highways before the rainy season starts.
In a statement released after their National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Benin, Edo State, the PTD stressed the importance of repairing roads for which funds have already been approved.
The federal government had earlier announced funds for road repairs, including ₦42.4 billion in June and ₦740 billion in October, targeting several key highways.
Appeal for Timely Action
The PTD called on the government to ensure contractors complete the repairs before the rainy season, avoiding delays that could disrupt travel for commuters and transporters.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts to repair federal roads and make them safer for everyone, especially transporters who rely on these roads for their livelihood,” said Augustine Egbon and Oluchi Chinagorom, PTD’s National Chairman and Secretary.
The union reminded the public that in 2021, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) was allocated ₦621.2 billion to rebuild 21 federal roads across the country under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure and Refreshment Tax Credit Scheme.
“We urge the government to ensure contractors start work immediately. Delays could create serious issues during the rainy season,” the statement added.
Key Roads in Need of Repairs
The PTD highlighted several roads requiring urgent attention, including:
- Shagamu-Benin Road
- Makurdi-Katsina-Ala Road
- Kachako-Dambazua Road in Kano
- Yola-Hong-Mubi Road in Adamawa
- Okene-Auchi-Benin Road
- Lanai-Agai-Bida Road
- East-West Road from Benin-Warri to Port Harcourt
Inclusion in CNG Scheme
The union also expressed disappointment over its exclusion from the government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) scheme.
“As tanker drivers, we haul petroleum products across the country, but we’ve been left out of the CNG programme. Tankers can also use CNG to reduce fuel costs, and we urge the government to include us in the scheme,” the PTD stated.
The union emphasised the need for timely action, warning that delays could lead to abandoned projects and higher costs. “A stitch in time saves nine,” they concluded.