The Association of Private Transport Companies of Nigeria (APTCON) has demanded for stimulus package from the federal government, saying road transport companies have been much affected by the COVID-19 induced lockdown across the country.
It will be recalled that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had, earlier in the week, demanded inclusion in the government’s stimulus packages as well as other palliatives to help the association through the COVID-19 crisis and after.
Audu Gaddo, spokesperson for APTCON, in a statement, explained that road transport operations had also been devastated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that, considering its pivotal position in the Nigerian economy, the government should give road transport operators priority.
“Road transport definitely employs more Nigerians than airline operators. Millions of Nigerians work for the road transport business, both directly and indirectly,” Gaddo said.
He added: “It is also the main transport mode since the average Nigerian cannot afford to fly. If the sector suffers, it will affect every Nigerian across the country while most have little or no economic stake in air travel.
“Our requests only cover organised road transporters; companies that operate legitimate road transport services, having a proper business structure and paying taxes.
“So, government has no challenge identifying beneficiaries and channelling its support to those who contribute to government revenue.”
By way of clarification, Gaddo further explained: “We are not opposed to government supporting airline operators, however, we strongly believe that given the unique place of road transport operations in the Nigerian economy at all levels, road transport companies should be first in line for government’s financial support.”
He argued that the government will be insensitive to the plight of the general populace if it considered bailing air operators without first providing much-needed support to road transport companies.
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