From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to halt the supply of petroleum products to Ogun State due to what it describes as continuous intimidation by an “illegal Task Force” established by the state government to disrupt its members’ businesses statewide.
The IPMAN chairman for Mosimi Depot in Sagamu Local Government Area, Salimon Ajayi, speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, explained that members have faced persistent harassment by the Task Force officials. As a result, the association is considering suspending the supply of petroleum products across the state.
Ajayi stated that the Task Force, inaugurated by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration on 6th November 2024, has been visiting IPMAN members’ fuelling stations, demanding measuring cans, monetary inducements, and engaging in various forms of harassment of IPMAN personnel statewide.
He argued that the establishment of the Task Force violates the provisions of the law as outlined in Sections 48 and 309 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Urging the state government to intervene and restrain the Task Force, led by Mr Adeyemi Badejo, Ajayi announced that IPMAN members would stop the supply of petroleum products to Ogun State from Monday, 18th November, if the situation persists. He declared, “No petroleum products laden trucks will be allowed to come to Ogun State if the situation remains the same.”
“It is unfortunate that IPMAN members are always the target whenever the government’s policies negatively impact the public. I believe the Task Force is unnecessary and illegal. Sections 48 and 309 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, forbid the establishment of such a Task Force.
“What the Ogun State government intends to achieve is being approached illegally and must be vehemently resisted,” Ajayi asserted.
He revealed that IPMAN in Mosimi Depot had previously reported the matter to the State Field Office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) through a letter dated 11th November 2024, expressing displeasure over the illegal constitution of the Task Force.
Ajayi urged Ogun State residents and members of the business community to hold the state government accountable for any inconvenience that might arise if the Task Force’s excesses are not curbed and IPMAN proceeds with its planned suspension of supplies.