IPMAN, NUPENG urges Anambra govt to create tanker terminal
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have called for an establishment of a tanker terminal in Anambra
The oil sector operators made the call during a meeting between Petroleum Tanker Drivers, NUPENG and IPMAN in the South South and South East zones with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Awka on Thursday.
Mr Chinedu Anayaso, Chairman, IPMAN, Enugu Depot, Anyaso Chinedu said the Anambra was a large operational area which was deserving of a terminal because of the huge number tankers that move through and discharge contents in the state.
Anyaso said the increase in crashes was partly because of the absence of terminal in the state, adding that the park had become expedient in view of the prevailing COVID-19 protocols which streamlined number of hours that vehicles would be on the road.
He said tanker drivers needed to relax for a while in the course of long journeys pointing out that such park existed in Enugu State
Anayaso regretted that Anambra government had not delivered on its promise to create one after IPMAN wrote a letter requesting the facility.
“Anambra is 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 unnecessary obstructions, reduce robbery attacks on the trucks, including siphoning of the content and at the same time generate revenue for the government,” he said.
Responding, Mr Andrew Kumapayi, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra said the command would liaise with the with Anambra government to ensure that the terminal was provide soon.
Kumapayi noted that the state government had made plans to have a trailer park after a fire incident in 2019.
“With this their demand, we’re going to follow it up, there is a need for that park, and I believe it would be realised soon,” he said.
The Sector Commander said the meeting was part of stakeholders engagement following by the recent easing of interstate movement by federal government and the need to observe COVID-19 protocols among tanker drivers.
