The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has entered into discussions with the Lagos State Government to resolve the ongoing issue surrounding the towing of trucks. The union, which represents petroleum tanker drivers, is working to ensure that fuel distribution operations continue smoothly without causing a shortage.
In an interview with journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the General Secretary of NUPENG Olawale Afolabi, explained that the union had temporarily suspended its services in response to recent incidents where tanker drivers were arrested and attacked by security personnel from the Lagos State Government. He assured the public that the situation would be resolved, with the state government promising to release the towed trucks to the union as part of the ongoing negotiations.
The tensions began on February 22, when the Lagos State Task Force towed several trucks and arrested members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, a branch of NUPENG, near the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki for allegedly parking along the highways. These actions led to the union’s decision to withdraw its services in protest.
Afolabi emphasized that ongoing discussions between NUPENG and the Lagos State Government aim to resolve the matter and prevent further disruption to fuel distribution. He stated that the union hopes for a resolution soon, but the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.
Similarly, Chairman of NUPENG’s Lagos branch Tayo Aboyeji, confirmed that the service withdrawal stemmed from the mistreatment and arrests of tanker drivers by security personnel. He explained that the union had previously instructed drivers to avoid operating at night due to concerns about accidents and hijackings. However, despite these instructions, drivers who stopped to rest were targeted by security officers, leading to further tension.
Aboyeji further noted that security personnel not only towed the trucks but also arrested members and damaged the union’s patrol vehicle. In response, NUPENG decided to suspend its services until the Lagos State Government provides a safe and convenient space for tanker drivers to rest without facing harassment.
Both Afolabi and Aboyeji reassured the public that the national leadership of NUPENG is in talks with the state government and that the situation would be resolved once the discussions are concluded. The union remains hopeful that the matter will be addressed promptly to avoid any potential fuel shortages.
