The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has suspended its planned nationwide strike.
The National President of NARTO, Othman Yusuf, directed members to immediately resume petroleum loading activities after a meeting held in Abuja.
It was gathered that the meeting was attended by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, with NARTO, oil marketers and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA).
This followed Monday’s meeting with the Federal Government and stakeholders after tanker drivers suspended operations and stopped lifting of petroleum products amid harsh economic realities.
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NARTO members had threatened shutdown all over the country beginning Monday over the high cost of Automotive Gas Oil also known as diesel which is used to fuel their trucks for the movement of petroleum products across Nigeria.
The association explained that the decision to withdraw its operation was due to the high operational costs in the industry.
The decision to suspend the planned strike sends a clear message that NARTO is committed to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the transport industry. By choosing dialogue over confrontation, NARTO has opened the door for meaningful engagement with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners. This collaborative approach holds the promise of fostering consensus, driving policy reforms, and implementing practical measures to alleviate the burdens faced by road transport owners.
Furthermore, the suspension of the strike underscores the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution mechanisms within the transport sector. By maintaining open channels of communication and fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, NARTO has demonstrated its capacity to navigate complex issues and safeguard the interests of its members in a constructive manner.
Moving forward, the challenge for NARTO and other stakeholders in the transport industry lies in translating this positive momentum into tangible outcomes that benefit all parties involved. This includes addressing the underlying factors contributing to the high operational costs, such as inefficient regulatory frameworks, inadequate infrastructure, and arbitrary taxation policies.
Additionally, there is a need for concerted efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance within the transport sector. By enhancing oversight mechanisms and promoting best practices, stakeholders can foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development, while safeguarding the interests of both industry players and the wider public.
The decision by NARTO to suspend its planned nationwide strike marks a significant step forward in the quest to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s transport industry. By choosing dialogue and cooperation over confrontation, NARTO has demonstrated leadership and foresight in navigating complex issues and advancing the interests of its members. As stakeholders continue to collaborate towards finding lasting solutions, there is optimism that the transport sector will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s economy and society.
