Our reporter
Petroleum marketers in Edo State have suspended their one-day strike after a series of high-level meetings with government officials and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State branch, had on Tuesday, 28 May, ordered the shutdown of all fuel stations across the state in protest against what it described as persistent harassment by the Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Taskforce. The taskforce was accused of harassing filling station operators under the pretext of inspecting and measuring their fuel dispensing pumps.
Chairman of Edo IPMAN, Alhaji Baba Saliu, in a statement released in Benin City, said the strike was called off following assurances given during separate meetings with the State Director of the DSS and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Mr Felix Isere. He confirmed that the state government had also agreed to reopen fuel stations previously sealed by the taskforce and that detained members of the association had been released.
“The strike has been called off in the interest of the public and following the intervention of key stakeholders,” Alhaji Saliu said. “Our members can now resume operations, and we appreciate the swift response of the DSS and government representatives in addressing our concerns.”
The IPMAN chairman had earlier warned that any member who failed to comply with the strike directive would be fined ₦500,000, reiterating the association’s stance that the taskforce lacked the legal authority to calibrate fuel pumps.
Alhaji Saliu also hinted at further deliberations among marketers in the coming days.
“I wish to thank IPMAN members for their cooperation despite the short notice. We will convene another meeting very soon to further discuss matters affecting our operations,” he stated.
The temporary strike had caused significant disruption across Edo State on Tuesday, with long queues at a few open stations and a general shortage of fuel reported in parts of Benin City. The swift resolution has been welcomed by residents and motorists, many of whom had expressed concern over the availability of petroleum products.
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