The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has swiftly waded into a looming crisis concerning its N621billion earmarked intervention for 21 critical road projects, resolving that the funding will be used only for the purpose it was intended.
A communique issued at the end of a critical engagement between it (NNPC), NMDPRA, NUPENG, NARTO and PTD, assured of both parties’ resolve to work together towards achieving the desired objectives.
It would be recalled that only recently, NUPENG had threatened to embark on strike over what it alleged that plans from certain quarters were on, to divert the fund for selfish interests (not by the NNPC).
The communique was jointly signed by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC mallam Mele Kyari, National Chairman of PTD, Mr. Akanni Oladiti, NARTO President, Mr. Yusuf Otthman, NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha and Executive Director (F&A) of NMDPRA, Abiodun Adeniji.
The forum also resolved to review freight rates for transporters to cover operational costs. It also highlighted on the precarious situation that truck owners face in the light of current economic realities.
NMDPRA had informed the meeting that a committee has been constituted to review the rates which include PTD, NARTO and NUPENG in addition to other stakeholders.
“Both parties agreed to work expeditiously towards concluding the review of the freight rate and make recommendations to the Government. The Authority to advise on a definite close-out date during the week of 21st February 2022.
“Collaboration on ensuring nationwide availability of petroleum products. All parties agreed to work closely to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country,” the communique noted.