The leadership of transport unions in Ogun State has expressed strong support for the state government’s Special Task Force on gas station operations, accusing the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria of opposing efforts to curb exploitation.
The unions, led by the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria condemned IPMAN’s threat to halt the supply of petroleum products to the state over alleged harassment of its members by the task force.
Speaking in Abeokuta on Sunday, the Chairman of the NURTW in Ogun State, Mustapha Adewale, praised the government’s initiative to protect consumers from sharp practices at gas stations.
“The fraudulent activities by some filling stations in the state are outrageous,” Adewale said. “Motorists pay for 10 litres of fuel but only receive seven litres. This has a direct impact on transport fares, placing an undue burden on the public. The government’s intervention through the task force is commendable and necessary to address this issue.”
Adewale criticised IPMAN for resorting to threats rather than addressing the alleged malpractice by its members.
The Secretary of RTEAN, Tiwalade Akingbade, echoed Adewale’s sentiments, accusing IPMAN of resisting accountability.
“There’s no reason for IPMAN to resist the task force unless they have skeletons in their cupboard,” Akingbade said.
“The government’s aim is simple: to ensure that people receive the volume of fuel they pay for. Why should any legitimate business have a problem with that?”
The unions argued that the task force would not only protect consumers but also stabilize transport fares by ensuring that commercial drivers get value for the fuel they purchase.
Last week, IPMAN described the task force as illegal and accused it of harassing its members.
The association threatened to cut off petroleum supplies to Ogun State from Monday, November 18, unless the government disbanded the task force or reined in its activities.
However, the unions dismissed IPMAN’s claims, urging the association to focus on promoting transparency and accountability within its ranks.
The transport unions commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing consumer protection through the task force.
“This administration has shown that it is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the people. The task force is a step in the right direction, and we stand firmly behind it,” Adewale stated.
Efforts to get further comments from IPMAN on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
