Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Thursday called on the Anambra state government to provide their tanker lorries with a terminal park.
The Chairman, IPMAN, Enugu Depot, Anyaso Chinedu made the call in Awka during a meeting between the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state and the oil marketers executives comprising the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, NUPENG and IPMAN in the South South and South East zones with
He said the park would not only eliminate cases of trucks parking along the road and causing unecessary obstructions, but increase the state’s Internal Generated Revenue
He attributed the increase in road crashes partly to the absence of park in the state, saying the terminal had become expedient following the prevailing Covid-19 protocols and at the same time serve as relaxation point for drivers after embarking on long journeys.
He said, “Anambra, being a gateway to other states, most tankers pass through the state and there’s every tendency that fatigue will set in among the drivers.
“They need to enter the park where they will park, refresh themselves using the toilet facilities and restaurants, before continuing their journey.
“The park will eliminate parking of trucks along the road and causing unecessary obstructions, reduce robbery attacks on the trucks, including siphoning of the content and at the same time generate revenue for the government.”
While noting that such park exist in Enugu State, Anyaso disclosed that his body had written to the Anambra state government with a promise to provide them with a space, but regretted that nothing had since been done.
Responding, State Sector Commander, FRSC, Andrew Kumapayi assured the oil marketers of liaising with the government to ensure the soon provision of the terminal.
He said, “The state government had plans to have a trailer park. After the fire incident last year, government set up a committee headed by Deputy
Governor to establish the park at Nteje along the Onitsha Awka expressway.
“With this your demand, we’re going to follow it up. There’s a need for that park, and I believe it would be realised soon.”
The FRSC boss had explained that the meeting was ocassioned by the recent easing of interstate movement by federal government and the need for the observance of COVID-19 protocols among the tanker drivers at their various depot.
While assuring of close monitoring of the tanker drivers to ensure total compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines, Kumapayi also promised periodic training of the drivers by the FRSC personnel.
