Plateau tanker drivers protest, denounce membership of NUPENG

Drivers under the umbrella of Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) in Plateau State have staged a protest to denounce their membership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), citing a lack of concern by the union. Speaking at Mista Ali Park Garage, in Bassa Local Government Area of the state, the drivers […]

Drivers under the umbrella of Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) in Plateau State have staged a protest to denounce their membership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), citing a lack of concern by the union.

Speaking at Mista Ali Park Garage, in Bassa Local Government Area of the state, the drivers said their action was due to poor representation by NUPENG.

Nasiru Sani, a driver who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said their continuous support for NUPENG is to the detriment of Petroleum Tanker Drivers nationwide, hence they needed to be independent as PTD to enable them to solve their problems.

He explained that many of their members are now languishing in various prisons without any show of concern from NUPENG officials, adding that, “Drivers nationwide are driving without appointment letters and can be sacked from driving at will by tanker owners.

“We are poorly paid, and the union has never shown concern. We are tired.

“Tanker drivers in various states worked for years and retired without their pensions, gratuities, or any benefits.

“There are several of our members who are either paralysed or rendered unproductive and can’t help their families. We want to be independent as Petroleum Tanker Drivers. We don’t want to be under NUPENG any more,“ he added.

Reacting to the development, the State Chairman of PTD and NUPENG, Yawale Muhammad, said issues can be resolved amicably through proper channels when raised.

He emphasised that the aggrieved drivers never presented their complaints to NUPENG.