Tanker drivers seek IGP’s intervention over excesses of task force team

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch (PTD) of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised concerns about the excessive actions of a task force established by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at curbing the movement of adulterated petroleum products.

In a communique signed by Augustine Egbon and Oluchi Chinagorom, national chairman and secretary, respectively, after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the union called attention to the “high-handedness” of the task force.

They stated that officers have been impounding tankers almost indiscriminately, even when drivers provided clear evidence of the legitimate sources of their products and loading depots.

The union cited a specific incident on the Funtua-Kaduna road, where a tanker has been held for nearly two months despite evidence showing that the product being transported was not adulterated.

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They appealed to the IGP’s office to ensure the release of the seized tanker.

Meanwhile, PTD-NUPENG commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for its renewed commitment to improving federal highways across the country and for the government’s efforts to stabilise the supply of petroleum products.

The union acknowledged the recent approval of 13 road projects by the Federal Executive Council, including key routes such as the Enugu-Port Harcourt and Mubi-Maiduguri roads, which are expected to enhance safety for tanker drivers and ensure a continuous supply of petroleum from depots to retail outlets.

The NEC also praised the initiatives aimed at maintaining stability in the petroleum supply chain, emphasising the importance of infrastructure improvements for their members’ safety on the highways.