Financial Energy Review
The Lagos State government and the National Union of Petroleum and Gas workers (NUPENG) have signed Pact to suspend strike. As the State government agreed to meet some of the Union’s demands.
The union Deputy National President, Solomon Kilanko signed on behalf of the tanker drivers, when the Commissioner, Ministry of Energy, and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote signed for the Lagos State Government.
The Maritime First correspondent who sighted the signed communique issued at the end of their deliberation, noted the willingness of both parties, to immediately “call off” the strike”.
Other decisions reached at the meeting include that the State Government will meet with the heads of all security agencies and secure their commitment to ensuring the free passage of petroleum products vehicles given their importance to the economy.
Both parties also agreed that the menace of area boys will be handled by relevant government agencies and a dedicated phone number will be established, within next week to ensure that Petroleum Products transporters have prompt access to security agencies.
The issue of extra-ordinary levies by a particular local government will be investigated and local government will immediately be advised to collect only levies that are legally due.
Furthermore it was understood by the parties that road works are a necessary path to progress; hence, the state government will continue to relate with all road users in the planning and execution of road works in the state.
The downstream petroleum union has committed to ensuring that all tankers are loaded within the capacities provided for in the regulations and communicated by DPR.
That the Lagos State Government will, within the next one week review the restriction of timing of movement of the petroleum tankers and advise on a resolution to ease their access to the tank farms. Consequently, the Union also noted that the ongoing road works were a temporary inhibitor of movement.
It was therefore agreed to, that the Lagos State Government would immediately set up a standing Committee, to relate with the Union on an ongoing basis to address any issues, as they arise, so as to eliminate the conditions which precipitated the strike action, in the first place.
