Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Edudzi Tameklo, has cautioned against unilateral decisions on transport fares, describing transportation as a critical sector that affects the entire economy.

Reacting to the planned 20% fare increase announced by transport unions, Tameklo said transport decisions must take into account their wider impact on the country.

“Transport is such an essential thing as far as this economy is concerned that at no point in time should, with respect, a few people hijack the process,” he said on TV3.

According to him, transportation goes beyond business interests because of its direct effect on economic activity and public welfare.

He argued that government cannot completely withdraw from the sector and leave transport decisions solely to private operators.

“The state cannot, under no circumstance, leave transportation wholly in the hands of private people,” he stated.

Tameklo further warned that decisions affecting transport could create broader challenges if not handled carefully.

“A private person who does not believe in the welfare of the state may actually use transport issues as a potent mechanism for creating national security uncertainty,” he said.


The NPA boss also appealed to transport operators to work with government through dialogue rather than imposing decisions that could affect commuters and businesses.

“I strongly believe that this government has demonstrated absolute good faith to our transport owners, particularly the private sector, and I want to believe that they should reciprocate that kind gesture by not undertaking any unilateral decision that would impact negatively on the economy,” he added.