Ogun Transport Unions Criticize IPMAN Over Task Force Opposition

KEY POINTS

• Ogun transport unions back the state government’s task force on fuel.

• IPMAN threatens to halt fuel supply over alleged task force harassment.

• Leaders praise the governor for addressing extortion at filling stations.

Transport unions in Ogun State have condemned the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for opposing the state government’s Special Task Force aimed at tackling sharp practices in filling stations.

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adewale, expressed disappointment with IPMAN’s threats to halt fuel supply, urging the association to address alleged malpractices among its members instead.

“The surreptitious extortion of the people by many filling stations around the state is very disturbing and annoying,” Adewale said in a statement. He highlighted incidents where motorists reportedly received only seven litres of fuel after paying for 10 litres.

According to Adewale, the resulting increase in transport fares disproportionately affects residents, making the government’s intervention both necessary and commendable. “Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration is sensitive to the plight of the people, and this task force is a laudable initiative that deserves everyone’s support,” he added.

IPMAN threatens fuel supply halt over task force operations

IPMAN had earlier declared the task force illegal, accusing it of harassing its members and calling for its disbandment. In a statement last Wednesday, the association warned it would stop supplying fuel to Ogun State from Monday, November 18, if the government failed to act on its concerns.

IPMAN’s accusations included claims of intimidation and disruption of operations by task force officials. However, they have not provided evidence to substantiate these allegations. Efforts to obtain further comments from IPMAN were unsuccessful.

State government receives praise for combating fuel extortion

Backing the state government, the Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Tiwalade Akingbade, criticized IPMAN’s resistance to the task force.

“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 stated.

Both union leaders praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing citizens’ welfare and addressing extortion in the fuel distribution chain. They reiterated their support for the task force and its mission to protect residents from exploitative practices.

The standoff between IPMAN and the Ogun State government highlights the challenges of ensuring accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Citizens await further developments as the task force continues its operations to curb irregularities.