Adamawa Govt Resolves IPMAN, Customs Feud

Adamawa State government has resolved the impasse between the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which resulted in the closure of filling stations and the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the state.
IPMAN said the shutdown was to protest the alleged seizure of six tanker loads of petrol by Customs Anti-Smuggling Unit, ‘Operation Whirlwind’ while NCS claimed their action was in the interest of curbing smuggling activities in the state.

Addressing journalists after the meeting that lasted for three hours, the deputy governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, said the matter had been put to rest as both parties agreed to sheath their swords.
Farauta stated that issues relating to a halt in the dispensing of fuel in the state have been resolved to ensure normalcy returns.

She said, ” The meeting was at the instance of the state government, and both parties have agreed to sheath their swords.

“As a family, we have all agreed to sheath our swords and ensure normalcy returns to reduce hardship on the people.”

The controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the NCS, Garba Bashir, said the command had agreed to end the matter through the mediation of the state government.
Bashir reiterated that the customs are not against the legitimate activities of IPMAN in the state.

“I can assure you that the deputy governor asked us to reconvene. I am sure the matter will be resolved by tomorrow.”

IPMAN Secretary Comrade Abdulmalik Bello said the body would communicate the meeting’s resolution to the state chapter’s leadership.

Bello said IPMAN will resume work soon.