Ogun sets up task force to end fuel scarcity

• Group to monitor fraudulent dealers in Ondo 

The Ogun State government yesterday named a task force to find solution to the perennial fuel scarcity in the state.This came as long queues still persist in most cities in the state, especially, Abeokuta, the state capital.

Commercial vehicles and motorcycles that ply the roads allege that they buy fuel at night between N180 to N200. The task force comprises men of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Others are the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Oil and Gas Trade Associations, as well as representatives of public and civil servants.

Inaugurating the committee in Abeokuta, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, described the fuel situation as worrisome.He disclosed that government had been interfacing with relevant stakeholders, particularly the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to address the situation.

He said; “Government has been engaging the NNPC in Abuja and Mosimi, to ensure relief and we decided to take a step further to wipe out queues in the fuel stations.

“The task force was set up to proactively oversee the issue of fuel supply and find solution to the lingering problem within the next 48 hours.” The Chairman of the Task Force and a Director in the State Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Mr. Kayode Ogunti, commended the government for the action.

In Ondo State, a group, called Cyber Protection Corps of Nigeria (CPCN) has pledged to monitor fuel stations for fraudulent practices.The South West Coordinator of the group, Mr. Longe Olarenwaju, said the organisation was established to look at internet and computer-related fraud.He expressed worry about the manipulation of fuel pump by petrol marketers. 

Olarenwaju explained that CPCN is working in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to end the sharp practices.He attributed the ongoing fuel scarcity to diversion and hoarding of products, which, he said, is a calculated attempt to give the government a bad name.He urged the people to report any foul play to the organisation’s office at Onyearugbulem Market in Akure.