Fuel scarcity hits Benue as petroleum unions shut down operations, demanding N40m compensation for vandalized tanker
The Benue State Government has called on the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its allied unions to immediately end their ongoing three-day warning strike and resume fuel distribution across the state.
The strike, jointly embarked upon by NUPENG, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), has led to the shutdown of all filling stations in Benue, causing a widespread scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Deborah Aber, while addressing journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday, expressed surprise over the industrial action, stating that discussions with the unions were still ongoing.
According to her, the unions are demanding over N40 million in compensation for a 2022 incident in which 45,000 litres of PMS were allegedly stolen by vandals in Aliade, Gwer-East Local Government Area.
Aber emphasized that the state government was not involved in the incident, describing it as a clear case of criminal activity. "To us, it appeared to be a pure criminal case of theft and vandalism. The government was not involved at all," she said.
She added that upon receiving the union's letter requesting compensation, the government promptly contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter and gather detailed reports. “We have held several meetings with them. Surprisingly, we woke up today to find that all fuel stations had been locked. This is unexpected, especially as we were still at the discussion table,” Aber stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all attempts to reach union officials for comments on the strike have so far been unsuccessful. The state government is urging NUPENG and its affiliates to reconsider their stance and return to negotiations to avoid worsening the already critical fuel situation in Benue.
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