In a dramatic turn of events, depot loading activities in Lagos have come to a standstill following a strike initiated by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The strike, which began last Saturday, has disrupted operations at key depots, leaving marketers stranded and unable to access fuel supplies.
The strike was reportedly triggered by an incident involving the Lagos State Task Force, which allegedly raided the Dangote Refinery axis in the early hours of Saturday. According to eyewitness accounts, over 100 officers from the Lagos State Marshal (LASMA) and the Lagos State Tax Force stormed the area, towing away at least 10 trucks and arresting several drivers. The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Association, a branch of NUPENG, clashed with the task force during the raid, leading to disruptions and damage to vehicles.
Nighttime Raid Sparks Outrage
The raid, which occurred around 2 a.m., has drawn sharp criticism from the PTD and other stakeholders. Reports indicate that the task force not only towed trucks but also fired live ammunition, damaging a PTD vehicle and seizing a loaded truck. A PTD official was also reportedly detained during the operation. The arrested individuals and vehicles are currently being held at the Oshodi station. A LASMA officer reported that, the reason why they invaded and towed the trucks was because they were parked by the road side.
The audacity of the Lagos State Task Force to conduct such a raid in the middle of the night has raised serious concerns. The PTD has called for an immediate investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for the actions of the task force.
NUPENG Strike Halts Depot Operations
In response to the raid, NUPENG has declared a strike, effectively halting all loading activities at depots across Lagos. Union officials are not allowing trucks into the depots, and no union representatives are present to oversee operations. This has led to a complete shutdown of fuel distribution in the region, exacerbating the already tense situation.
Government and NUPENG in Talks
As the strike continues, the Lagos State Government has initiated talks with NUPENG to resolve the issue. A meeting between the two parties is currently underway, with hopes of reaching a resolution that will allow depot operations to resume. However, the outcome of these talks remains uncertain, and stakeholders are anxiously awaiting further updates.
Impact on Fuel Supply
The strike has already had a significant impact on fuel supply in Lagos and surrounding areas. With depot loading activities halted, there are growing concerns about potential fuel shortages in the coming days. Marketers and consumers alike are urging both the government and NUPENG to find a swift resolution to the crisis.
Calls for Investigation
Meanwhile, calls for an independent investigation into the actions of the Lagos State Task Force are growing louder. Many are demanding transparency and accountability, particularly in light of the alleged use of live ammunition and the detention of a PTD official.
As the situation unfolds, Petroleumprice.ng will continue to provide updates on the ongoing strike and the efforts to resolve the crisis. For now, the people of Lagos are left grappling with the fallout of this unprecedented disruption to fuel supply.
