The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has attributed the tragic petrol tanker accident on October 1, which resulted in five fatalities and the loss of valuable assets, to the deplorable state of the Benin/Warri highway…CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Numerous innocent Nigerians also suffered various degrees of injuries in the accident, which occurred along the Ologbo axis of the Warri/Benin highway.
Expressing its condolences to the victims and their families, NUPENG has issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide strike. This strike would see its members downing tools and withdrawing their services to protest the overall deteriorating conditions of roads across the country.
In a joint statement by its President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG lamented the recurring nature of such accidents, which it believes are preventable. The union placed responsibility on the political leadership, accusing them of callousness, irresponsibility, and insensitivity towards the well-being of ordinary citizens.
NUPENG’s statement further highlighted the efforts made by the union to address the road conditions. They disclosed that they had invested significant resources in road maintenance, deploying hardcore stones and sands on various road sections annually to ensure safety for their members and other road users.
Additionally, the union had engaged in advocacy campaigns and even threatened industrial action to draw attention to the impending disaster, all without any response from the relevant authorities until the tragic accident occurred…CONTINUE READING
