NUPENG canvasses training for petroleum tanker drivers, railways’ rehabilitation

AS part of measures to curtail the spate of accidents associated with petroleum tankers, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the weekend pledged to sustain training and re-orientation programmes for its tanker drivers.

According to NUPENG, the training would centre on safe driving and vehicle maintenance, adding that the development is expected to reduce carnage on our roads.

The union also urged the government to rehabilitate the railways to facilitate haulage of petroleum products “in order to reduce the burden on the highways”.

In a statement issued by NUPENG President, Igwe Achese, the union also consoled with the families of victims of Lagos and Onitsha tanker accidents, which led to the death of over 70 people.

The Union expressed its sympathy to the Governors of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Anambra State Willie Obiano for the tragic incidents.

The Union commended the Governors for their quick responses in the rescue missions, which reduced the calamities.
NUPENG mourns the loss of the innocent souls and pray that God Almighty will give the families the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved ones.

The union also consoled with those who lost their properties, shops and cars as a result of the inferno caused by a tanker in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos.

The Union called on the Governors of the two states, Anambra and Lagos States to assist the families of those who lost their loved ones and properties.

Meanwhile, Ambode at the weekend summoned Petroleum Products Tanker Drivers’ Union and stakeholders to an emergency meeting on Monday, June 8.

According to Ambode, the meeting would address the incessant petrol tanker-induced fires in the state.

Ambode gave the directive during a visit to the scene of another petrol tanker fire at Idimu area of the state.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed that the fire ignited by a fallen petrol-laden tanker consumed not less than 34 buildings, 70 shops, one tricycle and one truck.

Ambode said: “I have directed that we will meet with the union of the tanker drivers and other agencies on Monday morning, and we must make pronouncements relating to the usage of our roads.

“This is another unfortunate accident within one week; unfortunate because we are beginning to lose a lot of our assets and property.”

The Governor also said it had become necessary to check the activities of the tanker drivers and enforce the state traffic laws.

He said:“We do not want this to repeat itself. I have been briefed that there were two tanker drivers actually competing on the road as at midnight including a commercial bus.

“In the process, one of the tanker drivers conveying 33,000 litres of fuel lost control at the bend and spilled its content to as far as five streets.”