By HAJARA LEMAN

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), has accused Ashaka Cement Plc, of mistreating local transporters and neglecting host communities, calling on Gombe State Government to intervene.

Speaking through its lawyer, Mr Luka Haruna, on Tuesday in Gombe, Ashaka branch of NARTO, highlighted the company?s failure to resolve the protracted dispute affecting both transporters and residents, particularly in Funakaye Local Government Area (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,? Haruna alleged.

The association also accused the company of abandoning its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that were supposed to benefit the local population, and the state as a whole.

The association emphasised that it was facing 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 the establishment of 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)

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