The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has pointed to the dire state of the Benin/Warri highway as a major contributing factor to the devastating petrol tanker accident that occurred on October 1, resulting in five fatalities and significant property damage.
Expressing condolences to the victims and their families, NUPENG has now issued a strong warning, threatening to call for a nationwide strike to protest the deteriorating condition of roads across the country.
In a joint statement released by its President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG emphasized the urgent need for road infrastructure improvement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The statement read, “The leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of our Petroleum Tanker Drivers, the victims, and the public for the unfortunate fatal accident that occurred on October 1, 2023, along the Ologbo axis of the Warri/Benin highway.”
NUPENG criticized the deplorable state of the Benin/Warri highway, holding it responsible for the tragic incident.
The union highlighted that many lives were lost, several individuals suffered severe injuries, and numerous vehicles were destroyed in the accident.
NUPENG expressed deep sadness over the recurring incidents on this highway.
The statement continued, “This was an avoidable and unfortunate tragedy that wouldn’t have happened if our political leaders weren’t so callous, irresponsible, and insensitive to the plight of the ordinary masses they claim to be leading and representing.”
NUPENG cited its efforts to maintain the highway, including using union funds for improvements and advocating for repairs.
NUPENG stated that despite warnings and campaigns, no substantial response was received from relevant authorities until the recent accident.
The union further demanded immediate action from both the federal and state governments to rehabilitate the country’s failed roads.
NUPENG emphasized that such tragedies, as witnessed on Independence Day, reflect the nation’s disregard for human life.
The statement concluded with a plea to the public for understanding, warning that NUPENG might take decisive steps, including a total withdrawal of services on these hazardous federal highways, in the coming weeks to compel the government to address the road infrastructure crisis.