By Udeme Akpan, Energy EditorThe Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has defended its member companies against allegations linking them to the resurgence of petroleum tanker congestion in Apapa, Lagos, insisting that their depots operate under strict truck scheduling and traffic management systems. The association said its members’ depots in the Apapa axis currently experience “generally free movement of traffic” due to the implementation of designated truck holding areas and automated call-up systems. MEMAN, which represents 11 Plc, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Conoil Plc, Ardova Plc, NNPC Retail Limited and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, however, clarified that it has no member facilities in the Kirikiri axis.
“MEMAN members’ depots within the Apapa axis are located along Dockyard Road, Mobil Road and Kayode Street. At present, there is generally free movement of traffic into and out of these facilities,” the association said. It added: “MEMAN does not have member facilities within the Kirikiri axis and, therefore, cannot speak directly to the specific causes of tanker congestion in that area.” The association explained that all member depots have designated truck parking and holding areas where trucks remain until they are scheduled to load petroleum products.
According to MEMAN, “All MEMAN member depots have designated truck parking and holding areas where trucks remain until they are scheduled to load at the terminal. This process is supported by automated call-up and scheduling systems, which help regulate truck movement and prevent unnecessary queuing around the depots.” The group also said trucks travelling into Lagos from outside the state are first held at the Ogere transit park until they receive loading tickets. It said, “For trucks travelling into Lagos from outside the state, transit parking arrangements are available at Ogere.
Trucks remain at the transit location until a loading ticket has been generated and they are formally called forward to the relevant depot. This significantly reduces the number of trucks entering the Apapa corridor without confirmed loading instructions.” MEMAN further disclosed that many trucks used by its members are equipped with On-Board Computers (OBCs) and vehicle-tracking systems to enable real-time monitoring of their movements. The association added that most of the trucks display dedicated t…
Summary from source