‘It’ll cripple the economy’ — NARTO asks members not to join planned protest

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has asked its members not to participate in the planned nationwide protest starting on August 1.

In a statement on Sunday, Yusuf Othman, NARTO president, said the association would not support any form of protest by anonymous organisers.

Othman said the economic hardship in the country is affecting many Nigerians, adding that the current administration is addressing the challenges.

“We recognise the economic difficulties, but we also see the administration’s sincere efforts to tackle these issues,” the NARTO president said.

“We will not support actions that disrupt the movement of petroleum products and the haulage of goods and services.”

Othman added that a 10-day protest would cripple the economy, which is currently in fragile condition.

The NARTO president urged members of the association not to be influenced by individuals with hidden agendas but to focus on their responsibilities.

“We urge the group to channel their grievances through the appropriate and legitimate means for quick resolution by the government,” Othman said.

“We don’t support any violent means, as it will not augur well for the country.”

The federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to shelve the planned protest.

Religious and traditional institutions have equally called for the cancellation of the planned demonstration.