By yusufu Aminu Idegu
Motorists in Plateau state are experiencing scarcity of petrol due to conflict between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Transport Owners Association (NARTO) and State task force on traffic regulations.
As at Friday, motorists came out to find out that filling stations were not dispensing petrol in Jos city.
On enquiry, it was learnt that NUPENG and NARTO ordered their members to close their stations to motorists due to conflict with Plateau government.
The state task force is enforcing regulations on restrictions of movement of Trucks and articulated vehicles into Jos city.
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Daily Trust reports that movement of Trucks and articulated vehicles has been restricted to 9pm to 6am while the state task force has been directed to impound any of such vehicle seen at day time.
It was learnt that the state task force on Thursday impounded two trucks conveying Petrol within the Jos metropolis at the restricted hours.
In the state traffic regulation laws, any truck arrested for violating the law must pay a penalty of N500,000.00 before the truck is released.
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.”
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