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IPMAN Closes Petrol Stations Across Adamawa |
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has enforced a shutdown of all petrol stations in Adamawa State, causing disruption for schoolchildren and commuters trying to get to their destinations.
The closure is a response to what IPMAN describes as acts of intimidation by the Nigeria Customs Service, including the unlawful confiscation of their tankers and fuel products.
The resulting fuel scarcity has impacted transportation services, leading to the remaining tricycle (Keke) operators increasing their prices by as much as 200%, making travel costs prohibitive for many locals.
The situation has severely affected civil servants and students, who have voiced their discontent with the growing crisis.
While some critics have criticized IPMAN's move, arguing that the association should aim to stop the illegal rerouting of fuel rather than ceasing vital services, IPMAN contends that customs officials are engaging in unauthorized activities, which are negatively impacting their business and resulting in considerable economic losses.
Previously, IPMAN had given the Nigerian Customs Service a 72-hour notice, insisting on compliance with legal processes to prevent any further complications that might prompt industrial action in the petroleum distribution network.
At present, there is a noticeable reduction in vehicle traffic throughout Adamawa State due to these developments.
