ABEOKUTA – The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has pledged to work closely with the Ogun State Government through its Special Taskforce Committee monitoring the filing stations’ alleged sharp practices in dispensing Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol to motorists and other customers in the state.
Chairman of IPMAN Mosimi Depot in Ogun State, High Chief Salmon Abiodun Ajayi who made the pledge at a news conference in Abeokuta on Monday, expressed the readiness of the association to collaborate with the government in flushing out any of the filing stations caught in any form of sharp practices in the state, cautioning non-members to stop interfering in the affairs of the oil marketers
The State branches of both the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) had earlier on Sunday expressed support for the government taskforce monitoring the alleged sharp practices of filing stations while cautioning IPMAN to stop blackmailing government by threatening to withdraw fuel supply to the state, instead of investigating the allegations of under dispensing of the product to customers by some of the filling stations in the state
But IPMAN reacting, made it clear that no union or non-members should dictate to the association the right step to take in dealing with erring filling stations caught in such sharp practices.
“It is my great pleasure to announce to you all our efforts to meet with the government of Ogun state on the newly introduced agency on product regulation/ measurements as witnessed lately.
“It is also important to note that despite the duplication of the petroleum regulatory department saddled with this responsibility, it is also in the interest of the public to ensure good value for the money paid for products in this hard time.
“You will also note that the government has completely Deregulated PMS, AGO, and DPK, and prices are determined by market forces.
“However, it is my concern as newly sworn-in IPMAN chairman, Mosimi Depot, to preserve our dignity in this hard time for both our members and the General public.
“It is also my wish to notify you all that the IPMAN National Body has launched a task force to monitor any form of sharp practices in the industry I am glad to also announce to you my intention to launch the same in our Unit in due course.
“I will advise that all members should Ensure accuracy in the dispensing of products in our various stations to customers, to avoid embarrassment from any quarters. However, my government is prepared to protect any member indicted wrongfully of any sharp practices while I will not condole any act of corruption that is capable of bringing disrepute to this Association.”
