IMPORTANCE OF PETROLEUM TANKERS IN NIGERIA - Comrade Ibiyemi Ganiyu

We are the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union a branch of NUPENG. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is one of the 37 industrial unions currently affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress.  It was also one of the former 42 industrial unions before the restructuring exercise of 1976 /1977 in which various trade unions were merged to form NUPENG.

The unions includes: Shell D'Arcy Workers' Union, BP Workers Union, Consolidated Petroleum Workers of Nigeria, Texaco African Workers Union, Esso Workers' Union, Union of Shell Operations, Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union(PTD), Petrol Station Worker(PSW), Independent Marketer etc.The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union duty is to fight for the interest of its members by seeking justice and fair play in the Oil and Gas sector.

Comrade Ibiyemi Kabiru Ganiyu who is the Chairman Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG, Mosimi Depot, Ogun state said Tanker Drivers played a special and important role in Nigeria which was tied to the nation's economy. In his four years of experience in the association he talked on how some of the drivers are not educated. Though education is very essential in the society, but some of their members prefer to work hard so to make things work well.

In a meeting they had recently, he said, “We are meeting to discuss how to make the work of Petroleum Tankers Drivers smoother as government values petroleum, and this work has provided employment to thousands of Nigerians. In the cause of doing this work, a lot of things crop up like over speeding and disregard for other drivers in smaller cars.”

He further explained that other consumable products shouldn't be carried with petroleum products while broken down trucks shouldn't be left on the road. Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Dahiru Abubabar enjoined Tanker drivers to always have patience. He further advice, “If any officer does anything wrong, report them to their superior officers' please always let us always obey traffic rules and regulations; we thank you all for your support.” He said.

He further stated, “We will talk to our members, but it will also help us if police or other checkpoints are visible from afar to enable drivers stop early to avoid brake failure because the sudden stops can also cause accidents. He said checkpoints also mounted most times left no room for making a thorough maneuvering.” He added.