IPMAN Threatens Shutdown Of Fuel Stations Nationwide Over Unpaid N200 Billion Bridging Claims

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned the government that the association will shut down all the fuel stations across the country over unpaid N200 billion bridging claims owed to its members.

The warning was given on Tuesday via a jointly signed by the Chairman of IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum Yahaya Alhassan and the Unit Chairman of Aba Depot Mazi Okolo.

IPMAN expressed concern over the laid-back attitude of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) leadership to support the survival of its members' businesses.

According to the association's claims, the problems stemmed from deliberate delays and refusals by the NMDPRA to pay off a debt of over N200 billion owed to its members, causing the unfortunate collapse of their businesses.

"We repeat, if our demands are not met within the shortest period of time, we have already put our members on standby across the nation. As law-abiding citizens, we are collectively prepared to withdraw our services, close every single outlet, and suspend lifting of products forthwith till our demands are fully met," the association said, Premium Times reported.

It added, "The consequences will be terrible as every marketer's outlet across Nigeria, from the North to the South, and from the East to the West, will be shut down."

The association mentioned that they have made every effort to solve this problem, admitting that their decision will hamper Nigerians across the country. However, IPMAN noted that they were left with no choice, but to take such action in the upcoming days to address the problem.

IPMAN urged all its members to stay resolute and law-abiding. The association stressed how some members have to completely shut their businesses and lay off employees because they don't have money to pay salaries.

"We have also watched with apprehension, the unpatriotic attitude of the leadership of the NMDPRA to offset this debt that has been accrued to us since September 2022," the association said, revealing that many members had taken loans from the bank to fuel retail outlets.

Now, due to the lack of repayment, the banks have taken over the business premises of many members.

In order to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration last month announced that the government is set to implement its CNG Initiative for Nigerians.