Motorists in Plateau State find themselves in the grip of fuel scarcity, sparked by a disput between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the State’s task force overseeing traffic regulations.
As of Friday, drivers were dismayed to discover petrol stations in Jos city non-operational, leaving them stranded without fuel.
Parallel Facts learnt that NUPENG and NARTO had instructed their members to shutter their stations, citing a clash with the Plateau government.
The state task force has enforced regulations to govern the movement of trucks and articulated vehicles into Jos city.
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These regulations confine truck movements to the hours between 9pm and 6am, with the task force mandated to seize any non-compliant vehicles during daytime hours.
Recent reports indicate that the state task force seized two trucks transporting petrol within Jos metropolis during restricted hours on Thursday.
According to state traffic regulations, any truck caught flouting these laws faces a hefty penalty of ₦500,000 before release.
Commenting on the development, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ashom, who is also a member of the task force, said, “Yes, we impounded two petrol trucks, and they have to pay the penalty.
“The task force has even given concession to the Petrol tankers because they render essential services to the society. We consulted them and told them they can bring their product in the day and we will attach one our members to the tanker to take them to the point they will be discharging the fuel.
“But from their action so far, the Petrol tankers do not want any restrictions to their movement. On our own side as government, we can’t allow a lawless society. We have a traffic law and it must be respected by all stakeholders”
“Government is appealing to motorists to be patience with us as government is looking for ways to resolve the issue soon. Government will never fold it’s arm and allow law breakers to hold the general public to ransom.”
Chairman of National Transport Owners Association (NARTO), Plateau state, confirmed to Daily Trust that he ordered all petrol stations in the state not to sell until the issues was resolved.
He said, “As we speak, we talking with government to get the issues resolved.”