Sokoto State and the Independent Petroleum Marketers (IPMAN) have reached a deal that both parties said will ensure availability and affordability of petroleum products in all parts of the state.
The government had threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of any sales outlet hoarding petroleum products, a situation that has thrown parts of the state into artificial scarcity for over two weeks.
The deal was struck at a meeting between Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State chapter of IPMAN, led by Sulaiman Magaji, and members of the state task force on availability of petroleum products.
Speaking at the meeting, Tambuwal said the state government will make available its fuel storage facilities to the marketers to enable them store enough supply for distribution.
“We have a facility that can store 1.8 million litres of fuel here in Sokoto, we will make it available to marketers for you to store enough fuel for your stations and ensure it is available to the people at affordable prices.
“In the last few days, I have been fully briefed about the challenges you are facing especially payment of debts owed by the Federal Government. As a government, we will take up your case in Abuja to ensure prompt payment,” the governor stated.
According to him, government will adopt both the stick and carrot approach in dealing with the marketers, repeating his earlier warning that any station caught hoarding fuel will face the full wrath of the law.
In his remarks, Magaji said his members will explore all available avenues to ensure fuel supply is restored to normal in the state.
“Let me say here that all trucks sent to Sokoto will be dispensed and sold to the people without further delay. Similarly, all major marketers in Abuja and Lagos who are indigenes of Sokoto will be brought on board to help in improving the situation,” he added.
While commending the state government for its keen interest in ensuring the problem is resolved, the chairman expressed delight at government’s commitment to tackle various problems bedevilling fuel supply chain in the state.
