Apparently worried about the economic hardship Nigerians are facing at this period, a group under aegis ot Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has made an appeal to the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to suspend strike action .
The Forum of Road Transport Owners had on Thursday, threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what they described as high operational costs engineered by rising inflation rates in the country.
The umbrella body of all commercial transport owners and operators in Nigeria said they were left with no option than to embark on strike after all efforts made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate Freight rates for operations proved abortive.
In a statement made available to journalists, the Forum said, in the face of rising cost of living and economic hardship, strike action will be adding more to excruciating pains caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
In the statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary; Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, expressed worry that the strike will also affect supply of petroleum products; create discomfort and stir up tension.
While calling on Federal Government to immediately meet with the Union to suspend the strike, it called on NARTO and other road transport UNIONS to consider the option of dialogue as alternative means to resolving the problem at hand .
According to the statement, the Forum believed NARTO has the right to fight for its members as a pressure group, but kicked against the idea of writing a letter directing all members not to make their Petroleum Trucks available for Petroleum Products loading activities from Monday, 19th day of February 2024.
Stressing, “Strike action now is more or less, counter productive, considering this critical period of rising inflation curve .
The Forum however, appealed to the Union members to immediately suspend the strike in the interest of masses and consider other options for dispute resolution.
“We fully support a collective effort for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery.
“And quite agree with union that there is definitely no way it can continue in business within the context of the current economic situation in the Country. ” It stated.
