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Edible oil tanker drivers
By FLORENCE ONUEGBU
The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) says it will commence industrial action on Sept. 22 over alleged interference in its operations.
The union’s General Secretary, Mr Tajudeen Usman, disclosed this at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos.
Usman, who spoke on behalf of the union’s President, Mr Ilias Aperun, alleged jurisdictional encroachment, harassment and disruption of its activities by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG.
He also alleged that the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria (AUTOWN) was operating in the sector through the Wharf 302 Products and Beverages Association.
According to him, the union had sought intervention from the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health, security agencies and regulatory authorities, but the matter remained unresolved.
He said the union was not opposed to legitimate businesses or the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our objective is to protect the legitimate interests of our members and ensure that the transportation of edible oil and food-grade products is carried out in an orderly, safe, hygienic and lawful environment,” he said.
Usman also called for dedicated tankers for transporting edible oil, saying the use of tankers previously used for petroleum products raised food-safety concerns.
He appealed to the federal government to resolve the jurisdictional dispute through appropriate labour and government authorities.
Usman warned that failure to address the union’s demands would trigger the planned strike from midnight on Sept. 22.
He expressed concern that prolonged disruption of edible oil transportation could affect supplies and potentially lead to shortages or price increases.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, has urged the federal government to intervene to prevent an industrial crisis.
The NLC Lagos Vice Chairman, Comrade Olabisi Idowu, called for a meeting involving the Federal and Lagos State governments, security agencies and the unions.
Idowu urged the relevant authorities to clearly define union jurisdictions through the Register of Trade Unions to prevent encroachment and industrial disputes.
He also appealed to NUPENG leadership to address the matter and prevent any crisis capable of disrupting peace in Lagos.
“We will not sit down and allow anybody to create any crisis, especially in Lagos. Lagos is peaceful, and we will not allow any individual or group of people to disturb the peace of Lagos State,” he said.
Also, Alhaji Labaran Sidi, President of the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, alleged interference with members’ activities at refineries and depots.
Sidi said the association had complied with NAFDAC requirements to ensure the safety of edible oil supplied to Nigerians.
Mrs Victoria Oke, Vice President of the association, said edible oil tanker operators were distinct from NUPENG because they transported food products rather than petroleum products.
Oke alleged that some members were prevented from loading at refineries and asked to make payments to NUPENG despite having no affiliation with the union.
She appealed to the relevant authorities to resolve the dispute, stressing that the association wanted its operations recognised separately from NUPENG. (NAN)
