The ongoing strike by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Adamawa/Taraba chapter has caused significant disruptions, particularly due to the soaring price of petrol, which has reached ₦2,000 per litre in some places. Here are the key points:
– **Reason for Strike:** IPMAN Adamawa/Taraba is protesting against the harassment and illegal seizures of their tankers by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). They accuse the NCS of abandoning border operations to target legitimate businesses within cities and local government areas, leading to financial losses and fuel scarcity.
– **Impact on Commuters:** The strike has led to a sharp rise in transport fares, with commuters now paying ₦700 instead of ₦300 for a single trip. This has made it difficult for workers and other commuters to access transportation to their offices and destinations.
– **Fuel Availability:** Most fuel stations in Yola are reported closed, forcing motorists to rely on the black market in certain areas to obtain petrol.
– **Customs’ Position:** The Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, previously highlighted the smuggling of petroleum products across borders as detrimental to Nigeria’s economy. He called for cooperation from all stakeholders to combat this issue.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by both consumers and businesses in the face of disruptions to the fuel supply chain and regulatory issues affecting the petroleum sector in Nigeria.
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