Nigeria may face a looming petrol scarcity as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over the non-payment of N100 billion in bridging claims.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Yahaya Alhasan, Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to fulfill its promise to clear the debt, despite assurances made 40 days ago in the presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
“NMDPRA promised to pay us within 40 days, but months have passed without any payment,” Alhasan said, warning that members would halt fuel distribution nationwide if the debt remains unpaid.
The unresolved debt has already crippled operations at nine northern depots, including Jos, Gusau, Minna, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri, leaving them completely grounded.
IPMAN also criticized the NMDPRA for imposing what it described as “abnormal levies,” including a controversial 5% commission on the sale of petrol station outlets, likening the authority’s role to that of a real estate agent.
Alhasan highlighted the financial strain on marketers, citing business closures, staff layoffs, and the seizure of assets by banks due to mounting debts.
The association vowed to collaborate with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for a possible nationwide strike if the government fails to act before the ultimatum expires on Monday, February 24, 2025.
IPMAN called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and resolve the dispute to prevent widespread fuel shortages across the country.
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