The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Depot Chairmen Forum has issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to the federal government to settle over N100 billion in outstanding bridging claims. The forum, led by chairman Alhaji Yahaya Alhassan, warned that failure to make the payment would result in a nationwide halt of petroleum product loading and distribution.
Alhassan expressed frustration at the continued neglect of the payment despite a year of waiting and promises made by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He recalled that at a stakeholders meeting, NMDPRA had pledged to settle the debt within 40 days, but months have passed with no payment.
The forum also highlighted the dire impact of the debt, including the grounding of nine northern depots, the closure of businesses, staff layoffs, and the take-over of premises by commercial banks. Alhassan further criticized NMDPRA for imposing unreasonable levies on IPMAN members, including a 5% commission on the sale of petrol stations and excessive charges for outlet renovations.
In response to NMDPRA’s refusal to settle the claims, IPMAN plans to coordinate with other organizations like PTD and NARTO for a collective action, potentially withdrawing tankers from loading petroleum products. The forum has called for Federal intervention from President Bola Tinubu to resolve the ongoing dispute, warning that they will take further action if their demands are not met by February 24, 2025.
