By Ogochukwu Isioma
Following the intervention of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has suspended its planned strike action which was scheduled to commence on Monday February 20, 2023, across the state.
The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Ethan Uzamere, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, noting that efforts are ongoing by the state government to meet the other requests made by the marketers in the state.
His words, “The Edo State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has put a halt to its planned state-wide strike action that was scheduled to begin today, Monday, February 20, 2023, following the intervention of the state government.
“The decision was taken by the independent marketers after a very productive deliberation between the body, the Edo State Government, and the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Edo State Office.
“We reviewed all their requests including their inability to buy and sell petroleum products because the price they buy the product from the depot was higher than the official rate that the state government and the NMDPRA are asking them to sell, as well as increased security in their various filling stations as most of their outlets were under threat of being attacked.
“As a government, we are committed to bringing a lasting solution to the fuel scarcity crisis in the state and are taking deliberate steps for a sustainable resolution of the lingering issues for the benefit of the generality of the people.
“We are strengthening synergies with relevant stakeholders and searching for more depots where petroleum products can be bought by the marketers at a very considerable price. We are also boosting security across the state, especially around filling stations to ensure there are no attacks on these assets and will continue further consultations to resolve all pending issues and address the scarcity and arbitrary pricing of petroleum products in the state for the general interest of our people.”
