Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Ashaka Cement PLC branch has demanded an increase in the fares for transporting cement to various locations across the country.
Addressing newsmen in Gombe, the transporters through their counsel, Barrister Luka Haruna, complained that the costs of petrol, gas, and maintenance have increased, but the rate paid by the company remains the same.
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According to them, the stagnant freight rates are crippling their business, while cement prices have been rising, therefore demanding a 50 per cent increase in the rate.
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The association added that it faced severe economic challenges due to rising fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses.
According to the transporters, the company has so far failed to address the rates for transporting the cement despite a series of appeals to the management.
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“The NARTO is demanding for a 50 per cent freight rate increase for the transportation of cement across the country and an end to the company’s unfair treatment to our members,” he said.
The members of the NARTO also appealed to the Gombe state government to wade into the matter by prevailing on the management of the company to treat them fairly.
