Filling stations in Rivers State may experience long queues in few days following the suspension of lifting of petrol from depots in the state by independent marketers and owners of filling stations, over allegations of harassment by security agents.
The petroleum products dealers say the security agents, comprising of men of the Nigerian Army, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps are being used by some acclaimed officers of their unions to enforce the payment of an illegal levy of N15,000 per marketer in private depots and tank farms, Channels TV reported.
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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) warned that the scarcity, which is expected in a few day’s time, will escalate to other parts of the country due to similar complaints being received from other states.
The allegation has been denied by the Six Division of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
The NSCDC spokesperson in Rivers State, Olufemi Ayodele, said that any officer cut in such act will be dealt with decisively.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
