The Adamawa State Government has resolved the impasse between the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which resulted to closure of sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the state.
IPMAN said the shutdown was to protest alleged seizure of tanker loads of petrol products by Customs’s Anti-Smuggling Unit, ‘Operation Whirlwind’ while Customs claimed their action was in the interest to curb smuggling activities in the state
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting that lasted for three hours, the state Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta disclosed that the matter had been put to rest as both parties agreed to sheath their swords.
Farauta stated that issues relating to halt in the dispensing of fuel in the state had been resolved to ensure normalcy returns to the state.
She said, “The meeting was at the instance of the state government and both parties have agreed to sheath their swords.
“As a family, we have all agreed to sheath our swords and ensure return of normalcy to reduce hardship on the people.”
The Area Controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Garba Bashir, said the command had agreed to resolve the matter through the mediation of the state government with IPMAN.
Bashir reitrated that customs is not against legitimate activities of IPMAN.
“I can assure you, the deputy governor asked us to reconvene, and I am sure the matter would be resolved by tomorrow,” he said.
Comrade Abdulmalik Bello, Secretary IPMAN pointed out that the body would communicate the resolution of the meeting to the state chapter.
Bello assured that hopefully, IPMAN would resume work any moment from now.
By Hussaini Hammangabdo
