The major transport unions in Ogun State have thrown their weight behind the state government’s decision to set up a special task force to monitor filling stations over alleged sharp practices. Alhaji Mustapha Adewale, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ogun State, popularly known as Yaro, criticized the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for its reaction to the task force’s activities.
Yaro emphasized that instead of criticizing and threatening, IPMAN should investigate the allegations of sharp practices among its members that led to the task force’s establishment. He noted that the Ogun State Government’s initiative aims to protect citizens from extortion amidst economic hardship.
As a petrol dealer with filling stations across the state, Yaro revealed that the government involved stakeholders in the process leading to the task force’s creation. He condemned the surreptitious extortion of motorists, citing instances where they receive seven liters of fuel after paying for ten.
This scenario, Yaro explained, contributes to increased transport fares, ultimately affecting the people. He praised the government’s responsive approach, calling the task force a “laudable and commendable initiative” that deserves support.
Similarly, Comrade Tiwalade Akingbade, secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), criticized IPMAN’s resistance to the task force. Akingbade argued that IPMAN’s reaction suggests they have something to hide.
Akingbade highlighted the task force’s role in addressing the disparity between payment and product volume. He commended the state government’s efforts to ease the burden of the pump price hike, including converting fossil fuel vehicles to CNG free of charge for commercial drivers.
The original motive of the task force, Akingbade emphasized, is to sanitize the system against unscrupulous elements exploiting citizens amidst economic hardship.
He urged IPMAN to diligently approach the task force to confirm the number and names of its members apprehended for infractions, rather than threatening without considering the government’s good intentions.
The transport unions’ support for the task force underscores their commitment to protecting citizens’ interests and promoting fairness in the petroleum sector.
The Ogun State Government’s initiative is expected to bring relief to motorists and commercial drivers, ensuring that payment commensurates with product volume.
