The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has called on its members to refrain from participating in actions that could undermine the Federal Government, ahead of a nationwide protest planned to commence on August 1st.
The protest, organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, is expected to take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. NARTO emphasized that it does not support any actions that would disrupt the movement of petroleum products and the haulage of goods and services.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the protest organizers to call off the demonstration, assuring the public that his administration is committed to alleviating the economic difficulties facing Nigerians. Other prominent figures, including serving governors, eminent Nigerians, and traditional rulers, have also urged the organizers to halt the protest.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NARTO President Yusuf Othman stressed that the association would not support any protest led by anonymous organizers who are unwilling to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government. He urged NARTO members to remain focused on their professional responsibilities and avoid being influenced by individuals with hidden agendas.
Othman acknowledged the economic hardships in the country but noted that the current administration is actively addressing these challenges. He stated, “We recognize the economic difficulties, but we also see the administration’s sincere efforts to tackle these issues. We will not support actions that disrupt the movement of petroleum products and the haulage of goods and services.”
Expressing concern over the potential impact of a 10-day protest on the fragile economy, Othman called on NARTO members to demonstrate patriotism and patience, allowing the administration time to stabilize the economy for the nation’s collective benefit.
“We urge the group to channel their grievances through the appropriate and legitimate means for quick resolution by the government. We don’t support any violent means as it will not augur well for the country,” Othman concluded.
