"Tanker Drivers Are Not Responsible For Product Diversion", Says Kaduna PTD Chairman

Comrade Abdullahi Haruna

Against public perception that petroleum tanker drivers are responsible for diversion of petroleum products across the country, Comrade Abdullahi Haruna (63) has debunked the allegations as false, misleading and unfair.



Speaking with NAIJ NEWS ALERT in his office following allegations of connivance with undesirable elements to cause scarcity during the Yuletide, Comrade Abdullahi Haruna popularly called "Abdullahi 63" stated that such insinuations were wrong as tanker drivers in Nigeria, especially in Kaduna state, happens to be among the responsible and law abiding citizens.

According to Abdullahi 63, there is no doubt about the fact that, tankers drivers are responsible for delivery of petroleum products to the various retail outlets or, their various destinations. But, we should all understand something here; the tanker driver is just like a messenger.

We don't own the truck and we also do not own the products. So, how then can we be accused of diversion? He queried.

As a driver, you are just a messenger; it is the owner of the truck or product that can divert his product as he is the one that will tell the driver where to pick up the product and where to deliver it; from point A to point B.

The Kaduna PTD Chairman also disclosed that, sometimes, it is the same person that owns the truck and its products and then, instruct the driver to take it from Kaduna to maybe, Zaria and discharge the consignment and, as a driver, you cannot do otherwise.

Such allegations are false and only aimed at giving tanker drivers, a bad name, he said.

If we have the opportunity of owning our own trucks and also, products, nobody will call us drivers again, he stated.

"It is sad that people who are not in the system will begin to think like this. Trucks are owned by the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO while Petroleum dealers own the products where you have different associations such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN and the Major Oil marketers who all have different responsibilities as regards the products but, then, the backbone and pillar of the business is the tanker driver and that is why, people will think or conclude thatit is we at PTD that are responsible for such acts of diversion", the Kaduna state Chairman of Petroleum Tankers Drivers explained.

"On Monday morning while on my way to to the office, I observed pockets of fuels queues in the city metropolis and it touched me that, some people will now be saying; "Aaaaah!! Look at this tanker drivers have started again!". People must understand that we are not responsible for these things. Our people have been in Lagos for the past three weeks without loading. Nobody gave us products and we cannot do anything about it".

Tasked on the issue of wrong parking along major highways especially in Kaduna state, Comrade Abdullahi 63 said that it is important he makes something very clear as regards this issue.

"PTD members are law abiding and peaceful citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with respect for laid down rules and regulations especially our own Constitution in the Union. Tanker drivers have respect and reflgard for their elected and appointed leaders and Constituted authority".

On this issue of wrong parking on Highways, Comrade Abdullahi 63' says there are efforts to see to the speedy completion of designated trailer parks in Kaduna state and we thank Almighty Allah for the concerns of the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai who is doing his best to see that the trailer park is completed as soon as possible".

According to Comrade Abdullahi 63', "the trailer park sited at Maraban Jos I'd receiving attention and I can assure you that our members will immediately move in as we are very concerned about the safety and well-being of our members including the trucks and its contents. Their welfare and well-being is of paramount concern to us a leaders and, Insha Allah, we will continue to deliver on our promises to all".

Comrade Abdullahi Haruna says the PTD will continue to promote peaceful relationship between his Union and security agencies while also, assuring that his colleagues will remain law abiding and organized in their jobs by delivering promptly, petroleum products to their various destinations across the entire country.