By Moses Akaigwe
The recent increase in the freight rate for transporters to alleviate the challenges associated with the distribution of petroleum products has been commended by operators in the haulage industry under aegis of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
Rising from their second quarter national executive council/state chairmen joint meeting held on Tuesday, June 28, in Lagos, the NARTO members described the upward review as an indication that the Federal Government is sensitive to the feelings of transporters who have been bearing the brunt of heavy operating costs.
Following the approval by government, the increase was announced on Thursday, June 16, by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) which raised the national transport fund by N10 to address the concerns of transporters.
Treating to the increase, NARTO said the review would bring relief to the transporters who have been operating under difficult conditions, including absorbing the ever-rising pump price of automated gas oil (AGO) and high cost of vehicle spare parts.
In a communiqué signed by the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, and the Executive Secretary, Aloga Ignatius Ogbogo, the association pledged to reciprocate government’s gesture by continuing to render vital haulage and distribution services to the economy even in the face of daunting conditions.
The communicate read in part: “To reciprocate this gesture from the government, and to improve our level of service delivery, members have resolved as follows:
“NARTO would continue to serve the people of Nigeria diligently and selflessly even in the face of the difficult operating conditions occasioned by high rate of inflation, insecurity, and dilapidated road infrastructure in the country.
“NARTO commends the Federal Government, through the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, for being sensitive to the feelings of our members that have been suffering untold hardship, especially transporting PMS, at the prevailing poor and inadequate freight rate.”
At the second quarterly meeting held at NARTO’s new secretariat on Calcutta Crescent, Apapa, the association stated that it “abhors and condemns illegal bunkering in its totality,” pledging to “do everything possible to assist government in fishing out any culprit operating in our midst.”
Members were, therefore, advised to desist from the practice as anyone found would have themselves to blame as the association would not shield anyone from facing the consequences.
Moreover, “we have given the Nigerian Customs our commitment that our members are law abiding and patriotic, therefore, they would not be involved in this unlawful practice.”
The meeting also took a stand against illegal diversion of petroleum products under any guise, warning that any member of the association that involves himseld in the unwholesome practice would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The meeting further called on the Bayelsa State Government to provide a level playing ground for all the transport unions/associations operating in the state to provide their services to the people without let or hindrance.
This was informed by what the communiqué described as the systematic alienation of NARTO from operating in the state while other unions are not otherwise restricted.
The communiqué concluded by saying, “We call on the governments of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States to treat all our members and drivers with civility and respect as they serve the people of their respective states.
“While calling on our members to conduct themselves responsibly and obey all traffic regulations in all parts of the country, we deplore the imposition of heavy and unrealistic penalties by these states.
“NARTO would continue to support and cooperate with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in election logistics to enable it deliver on its mandate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections and others that will come before and after it.”