The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has resolved its members to withdraw their operations from petroleum product loading activities due to the high operational costs in the industry and the scarcity of fuel with immediate effect from Monday, 19 February which will cripple the distribution of petrol and diesel across Nigeria and lead to a crisis in the sector.
The Association is identified as the umbrella organisation of all commercial vehicle owners in Nigeria engaged in the haulage of petroleum products, general cargoes, and movement of passengers, within the country and the entire West Africa sub-region.
In a letter signed by its National President Othman Yusuf, The Withdrawal of Operations by members was addressed to the General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) on 15 February Titled ‘Notice of withdrawal of operation’ was also sent to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the State Security Services (SSS) and the executive secretary of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (NEMAN).
The Regulatory Agency noted that it can no longer continue in business within the context of the current economic situation and the high cost of diesel required to power its trucks for the transportation of petroleum products across the country.
“We are deeply constrained to seek the support and understanding of your union and members towards the excruciating challenges petroleum truck owners are facing with the high operational costs in the industry,” the association said.
“As you are already aware of several efforts we have made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rates for our operations from all conceivable authorities concerned in the industry, most especially the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria but which have received no positive responses from them.
The Association explained with its members it’s challenges and called for their maximum cooperation, support and understanding to sustain haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance.
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