National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Niger State chapter has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Associations of Tanker Drivers asking heavy-duty vehicles drivers to vacate the roads.

The state Chairman of the council, Comrade Bello Barau Shariff (BB sheriff) in conjunction with other Civil Society Organizations in the State, issued this warning at a press conference in Minna.

Other youth groups include Niger State Chapter Youth Lead Nigeria, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG)
Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Niger State Students in Diaspora, Concerned Shiroro Youths, North Central Youth Parliament (NCYP), National Associations of Nigerian Students, Niger East Youth Frontiers (NEYFRO) as well as Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

He stated that should the protesting drivers fail to move from the roads, the youth groups in the state would explore many options which may include “Massive Civil Action”.

According to him, “the implications of this heinous act by these drivers who have constituted themselves not only as nuisance, but as a government within government, blocking and stampeding major highways at the slightest provocation, is that they are causing untold hardship and holding travelers to ransom, hence crippling and halting the day to day activities of other road users. This needs to be checked by authorities concerned or we would be forced to take laws into our own hands”.

Shariff also called on NARTO and Associations of Tanker Drivers to apologize to Nigerlites and other road users with immediate effect

“We implore them to be civil in addressing grievances rather than infringing on other citizens’ rights.

“We implore Government at all levels to work assiduously towards meeting our demands within the stipulated timeframe or Youths would explore many options which may include Massive Civil Action should we notice
lackadaisical disposition towards our demands,” he insisted.

The youth groups strongly disagreed with any decision that has to do with re-opening of the ongoing reconstruction of Minna-Bida road by Niger State Government for heavy-duty vehicles.

“We also call on President of Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. and the National Assembly Members from Niger State to ensure that part of the loan sought by the Presidency be used for LambattaLapai-Bida and Jebba-Tegina-Birnin Gwari Federal roads,” they maintained.