Stranded tanker drivers barricade road in Niger As union orders stoppage of petroleum products to North

Following the decision of the Niger State government to close all stateowned roads against articulate vehicles to fast-track the repair of its roads, tanker drivers have barricaded the Bida-Minna road junction in Bida linking Lambata and Suleja.

The action was to protest the closure of the Bida-Minna road to heavy trucks to hasten the road reconstruction by the state government.

Meanwhile, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) yesterday ordered its members to halt distribution of petroleum products from Lagos to the northern part of the country from today (Thursday) further notice.

PTD, in a statement by its National Chairman, Otunba Salimon Oladiti, explained that the action became necessary following the shut out of heavy trucks, including tankers, from using all the link roads in Minna, the Niger State capital, by the state government from midnight September 15.

“We want to use this medium to inform the general public that from tomorrow (Thursday, September 17), our members will not be lifting products

till from Lagos to the northern part of the country because the Niger State government has shut out heavy-duty trucks, including tankers, from passing through the state.

“The only alternative road is not motorable. This is Bida-Agai-LapaiLambata Road. In fact, this road is a deathtrap.

“When we got wind of the plan of the Niger State government to shut the roads weeks back, I spoke to the minister of works through one of his aides and he assured that the ministry would do palliative and remedial works on the road.

“Unfortunately, over two weeks after our discussion, nothing has been down on the roads.

“As leaders, we have to do the needful and protect the lives of our members from avoidable accidents and attacks from hoodlums.

“Until the federal government makes the alternative road motorable, our members will not resume lifting of products to the northern part of the country.