The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of its services starting today, Monday, February 19, amidst rising operational costs and unviable freight rates, signaling a potential fuel scarcity in Nigeria.
In a letter addressed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), signed by NARTO’s national president, Yusuf Lawal Othman, the decision to halt services was communicated. The letter stated that efforts to negotiate with the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and other key industry stakeholders for fair freight rates have been unsuccessful, leaving NARTO with no positive responses.
NARTO’s decision to suspend services is expected to significantly impact the supply and distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria, as the association is responsible for over 80% of the country’s petroleum transportation.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of NARTO has instructed its members not to provide their petroleum trucks for loading activities from February 19, 2024.
This directive comes as the association seeks to address the challenges faced in the petroleum haulage business under the current economic conditions.
NARTO has called for solidarity and understanding from its employees, who are members of NUPENG, urging them to support the collective efforts to maintain the sustainability of the petroleum haulage business and ensure effective service delivery.
The situation, as described by the workers, is unsustainable in the face of the prevailing economic environment in the country.
This withdrawal of operations has been officially communicated to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (MMDPRA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the executive secretary of MEMAN.
