Commercial transporters in Ogun State have applauded the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for its ongoing efforts to monitor fuel pump sales at petrol stations across the state.
The initiative, aimed at curbing unethical practices and ensuring fair pricing, has drawn widespread commendation from stakeholders in the transportation sector.
The task force behind the initiative comprises representatives from various government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Ogun State Parks and Garages Management (OGSPAM).
During an inspection exercise, members of the task force recounted instances where transporters expressed their support for the initiative.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Lawal Azeez Opeyemi, Mr. Stanley Yenogoa, and Mr. Moroof Jaiyeola praised Governor Abiodun for his empathetic approach to addressing the challenges faced by transporters and citizens.
โThe ongoing monitoring of fuel pumps is a commendable step towards ensuring that citizens receive value for their money,โ they noted.
โThe manipulation of fuel pumps by some marketers is a blatant act of theft, and we urge the government to sustain this exercise.
Fuel is a critical resource that influences all aspects of human activity and economic development.โ
Transporters alleged that some petrol stations sell N2,000 worth of fuel for N3,000 due to manipulated pumps. They described the governorโs initiative as a significant move to curb such practices, which they said exploit residents and hinder economic progress.
The task force has uncovered several cases of malpractice at fuel stations in Abeokuta, Obafemi Owode, Remo, and Ijebu areas.
In one instance, the Managing Director of As Sallam Petroleum Resources on Ibafo Road reportedly obstructed the teamโs operations, prompting the matter to be escalated to the appropriate authorities.
Another incident occurred at Fatgbems Filling Station in Onijanganjangan, where the task force faced resistance from an armed team from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The team, led by Mr. Victor Ajise, claimed exclusive authority over monitoring filling stations and asked the Ogun State Government to desist from the exercise.
Despite the challenges, the transporters urged the Ogun State Government to persist with the monitoring exercise, describing it as a vital intervention for the welfare of the stateโs residents.
They reiterated that the effort would ensure adherence to fair practices in the petroleum sector and protect consumers from exploitation.
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