The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has cautioned its members against night driving, citing rising insecurity and road risks.
The warning came as the union affirmed Mathias Ote as its substantive national chairman during the group’s national executive council (NEC) meeting in Warri over the weekend.
Ote will succeed Augustine Egbon, the immediate past chairman of the union, who died last year.
Speaking to members, Ote cautioned tanker drivers against night travel, citing rising security risks and poor road conditions across the country.
“The risks associated with night driving are increasing. Many criminal activities, such as hijacking, kidnapping, and fatal accidents, occur at night, worsened by the deteriorating condition of some roads,” he said.
“I urge all our members to desist from night driving because if anything happens, you will bear the consequences.”
In his inaugural remarks, the new chairman paid tribute to his predecessor, describing him as an exceptional leader committed to the welfare and development of union members.
“It is indeed very painful to lose such a great and exemplary leader who impacted positively on the lives of his people and left an indelible mark on the union,” Ote said.
He thanked the leadership of NUPENG and members of the NEC for entrusting him with the position, pledging to provide purposeful leadership.
“There are many capable hands that could lead this great branch, but in your collective decision, I was elected as chairman. What I have to offer in appreciation is good leadership, and I will spare nothing in providing it,” he said.
Salimon Oladiti, a national trustee of NUPENG, echoed the warning, urging drivers to prioritise safety.
Oladiti stressed that life has no duplicate, warning that “when accidents occur, truck owners may see you as a liability”.
He also urged the drivers to avoid night driving and adhere strictly to safety measures.
