The leadership of transport unions in Ogun State has condemned the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria for opposing the Special Task Force set up by the state government to curb sharp practices in filling stations.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the state, Mustapha Adewale, criticised IPMAN for threatening to halt the supply of petroleum products to Ogun over the task force’s activities.
Adewale, in a statement on Sunday, argued that IPMAN should have investigated the allegations of sharp practices among its members, which necessitated the creation of the task force, instead of resorting to threats.
He said, “The surreptitious extortion of the people by many filling stations around the state is very disturbing and annoying. You can imagine a situation where motorists get seven litres of fuel after paying for 10 litres.
“For commercial drivers, this anomaly directly impacts transport fares, meaning the people bear the brunt. That is why the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun, being sensitive and responsive, came up with the task force to put a stop to this infraction. It is a laudable initiative that deserves everyone’s support.”
IPMAN had, last Wednesday, described the task force as illegal and accused it of harassing its members.
The association warned that it would stop fuel supply to the state from Monday, November 18, if the government failed to caution the task force or disband it.
The Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Tiwalade Akingbade, supported Adewale’s stance, accusing IPMAN of having ulterior motives.
“There’s no reason for IPMAN to resist the task force unless they have skeletons in their cupboard. The government is only trying to ensure that what people pay for matches the volume of products they get,” Akingbade said.
The transport union leaders commended the state governor for setting up the task force, noting that it would protect citizens from extortion and ensure they get value for money.
Efforts to reach IPMAN for further comments on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.