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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed its commitment to support the Ogun State Government in its efforts to eradicate unscrupulous practices at filling stations, particularly the under-dispensing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This pledge was made by the Chairman of IPMAN’s Mosimi Depot, High Chief Salmon Abiodun Ajayi, during a press conference held in Abeokuta on Monday.
Ajayi emphasized the association's readiness to collaborate with the Special Taskforce Committee set up by the state government to monitor and address allegations of sharp practices among fuel retailers. He also issued a stern warning to non-members to refrain from interfering in the operations of oil marketers.
In a recent show of solidarity, the Ogun State branches of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) backed the government’s initiative. They urged IPMAN to focus on investigating the claims of under-dispensing rather than threatening to withdraw fuel supplies to the state.
In response, IPMAN made it clear that the association will not be dictated to by any union or external parties regarding how to handle cases of malpractice. Balogun Ijemo, a prominent member of the IPMAN leadership, highlighted that the national body has already established a task force to monitor sharp practices across the industry, which will soon be mirrored at the Mosimi Depot.
Ajayi, who also heads Rantipe Petroleum, reiterated his commitment to maintaining integrity within the association and ensuring that customers receive the correct amount of petrol. He encouraged those who feel they have been shortchanged to report the offending stations to IPMAN's nearby offices for prompt action.
He stated, “I urge all members to ensure precision in dispensing products at their stations to avoid unnecessary embarrassment. While we stand ready to protect our members from wrongful allegations, we will not tolerate any form of corruption that tarnishes our association's reputation.”
Customers were reassured of their right to receive the correct quantity of petrol at filling stations, as Ajayi called for collaborative efforts to cleanse the oil industry of malpractice.
The IPMAN chairman also mentioned ongoing discussions with the State Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, as part of the joint taskforce's initiative to tackle these issues effectively.
In his closing remarks, Ajayi affirmed IPMAN's dedication to preserving the dignity of the association while advocating for the public’s interests during these challenging times, marked by the deregulation of the oil sector that has led to fluctuating fuel prices.
He underscored the necessity for healthy competition in the petroleum market, advocating for the establishment of more local refineries, alongside the Dangote Refinery, to foster competitive pricing and make fuel more accessible for Nigerians.
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