TheCable

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Friday said petroleum tankers were not affected by the Lagos state government daytime operational restriction.

Tokunbo Korodo, south-west chairman of the union, said petrol tankers could deliver products to any destination within the state at any time.

“We are aware of this directive by the LASG but the law did not restrict our trucks,” he told NAN.

“Tanker drivers can move at any time to deliver its products; we are not affected by the traffic law.

“You can see that our tankers are working all round the clock to lift petroleum products and deliver at designated filling stations nationwide.”

On September 6, the state government restricted the movement of heavy duty vehicles within the metropolis to between 9 pm and 6 am.

The government action followed the recent trailer accident which claimed three lives in the Ojuelegba area of the state on September 3.

Those affected by the ban have expressed dissatisfaction, threatening to resort to protest.

On Thursday, the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANCLA) warned that it would shut all the ports in the state if the policy is not reversed.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) also said it would withdraw its trucks from the road with immediate effect.

Remi Ogungbemi, chairman of AMATO, said it was difficult for members to comply with the directive for security reasons.

Ogungbemi said the safety of trucks, drivers and the cargoes could not be guaranteed at the period of the day when movement is not restricted.