The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Wednesday started a two-day training programme for 3,000 tanker drivers across the country.

Alhaji Salimon Oladiti, the National Chairman of PTD Branch of NUPENG, who flagged off the training in Lagos, said the country was divided into four zones for the programme.

Oladiti listed the zones as Lagos, Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt.

He said that the tanker drivers needed the training to ensure safety and reduce carnage on the highways.

“We believe that without training, our drivers may misbehave on highways, thereby causing fatal accidents.

“We spare no money to ensure that our members are adequately and regularly informed and educated for personal and organisational growth, development and productivity.”

Oladiti commended the Federal Government through Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for its National Summit on Haulage Operation held on June 15, 2015.

“I am so pleased today and can boldly say that the efforts of last year have not been in vain. We have recorded almost no major accident of such since then.

“It shows that our campaign on safety on wheels is yielding the desired results.”

Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the South West Chairman of NUPENG, said that 800 tanker drivers would be trained in Lagos, while 200 would be trained in Ibadan.

He said that 2,000 tanker drivers would undergo training programme in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt, respectively.

The Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) are also participating in the exercise.

Others are the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, State Fire Brigade, FRSC, NSCDC and some medical personnel. (NAN)

•Photo shows NUPENG President, Comrade Igwe Achese.