NARTO alleges host communities’ neglect by Ashaka Cement, seeks govt’s intervention
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has accused Ashaka Cement Plc of mistreating local transporters and neglecting host communities, calling on the Gombe government to intervene.
Speaking through its lawyer, Luka Haruna, on Tuesday in Gombe, Ashaka branch of NARTO, highlighted the company’s failure to resolve the protracted dispute affecting transporters and residents, particularly in Funakaye LGA.
“Despite Ashaka Cement’s extensive operations in Gombe state, the company has not made any meaningful contributions to the development of its host communities,” Mr Haruna alleged.
The association also accused the company of abandoning its corporate social responsibility projects that were supposed to benefit the local population and the state.
The association emphasised that it faced severe economic challenges due to rising fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which the company had failed to address.
“While the price of cement has continued to increase, freight rates for its transportation have remained stagnant. NARTO has been advocating for a 50 per cent increase in transport fares, a request that has reportedly been rejected by Ashaka Cement’s management under the leadership of Ibrahim Aminu,” he said.
NARTO also accused the company of favouring external contractors, scholars, and workers over locals, thereby excluding the people of Gombe State from employment opportunities.
“NARTO is calling on the Gombe state government to safeguard the interests of its citizens and transporters by establishing a committee to review Ashaka Cement’s operations,” he added.
The association further demanded a 50 per cent increase in freight rates to reflect the current economic realities and an investigation into alleged intimidation of Gombe State citizens and NARTO members.
The association also called for establishing a regulatory framework to clearly define the responsibilities of both NARTO and Ashaka Cement to prevent future conflicts.
It, therefore, urged the state government to act swiftly to prevent further neglect of the region and its people by the cement company.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
South-West CAN calls for improved measures to tackle insecurity
The association sympathised with victims, their families and communities affected by the attacks.
States
Troops foil kidnap attempts, rescue victims in Plateau, Kaduna
Mr Oteh said the pursuit enabled troops to rescue a pastor and his wife from the kidnappers.
Heading 1
Eulogies for British-Nigerian singer Mark Orabiyi stabbed to death in UK
“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” the police said.
Hot news Home top
Unregistered Toyota Corolla, weapons, charms recovered in building Oyo kidnappers kept Adelabu’s sister, nephews: CP
A landlord in the area, Moruf Orankan, said the house used for the operation belong to a woman who was not living in the community.
Africa
Xenophobia: Malawi repatriates 150 citizens from South Africa
The Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation made the disclosure in a statement.
States
CP decries high rate of widows’ rights violation in Anambra
The CP urged husbands in the state to always write a will to protect their wives and children in the case of death.
