PTD-NUPENG Confirms Mathias Ote as National Chairman, Urges Tanker Drivers to Shun Night Driving
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has officially affirmed Comrade Mathias Ote as the substantive National Chairman of the PTD branch.
The decision was reached during the Quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of PTD-NUPENG held over the weekend in Warri, marking a new leadership chapter for the union.
Comrade Ote succeeds the late Comrade Augustine Egbon, the immediate past National Chairman, whose tenure was widely regarded as impactful and people-oriented. In his inaugural address, Ote paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing him as an exceptional leader who left an enduring legacy within the union.
“It is indeed very painful to lose such a great and exemplary leader who positively impacted lives and left an indelible mark in the history of the union,” Ote said.
Expressing appreciation to the leadership of NUPENG and members of the PTD NEC, Ote thanked them for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify their trust with responsible and inclusive leadership.
“You will agree that there are many capable hands, but by your collective decision and the grace of God, I have been chosen,” he stated. “Silver or gold I do not have to offer in appreciation of your support, but I assure you of good leadership, which I will give without reservation.”
The newly affirmed chairman emphasized that the welfare of members and the continued development of the union would remain his top priorities.
A key highlight of his address was a strong call for improved safety practices among tanker drivers, particularly a warning against night driving. Ote cited rising incidents of truck hijacking, kidnapping, ritual killings, and fatal road accidents as major concerns, noting that such risks are significantly higher at night due to poor road conditions in many parts of the country.
“In view of these risks, I urge all our members to desist from night driving because any consequences arising from such actions will be borne by the driver,” he warned.
Also speaking, a National Trustee of NUPENG, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti, reinforced the chairman’s position, urging drivers to prioritize their safety above all else.
“Life has no duplicate,” Oladiti cautioned. “When accidents occur, truck owners may see the driver as a liability to their business. Therefore, let us avoid night driving and adhere strictly to safety measures to protect our lives.”
The NEC meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by PTD-NUPENG leadership to strengthen internal discipline, enhance member welfare, and promote safer operational practices across Nigeria’s petroleum transportation sector.