The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has warned of an impending strike over the non-payment of more than N100 billion in bridging claims owed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In a statement released on Monday, the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum expressed frustration over the prolonged delay despite repeated assurances from the regulatory body. The forum’s chairman, Yahaya Alhassan, noted that the NMDPRA had repeatedly promised to settle the debt but failed to follow through.
One such pledge was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held just before the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) called off its last strike. At that meeting, attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, the NMDPRA committed to clearing the claims within 40 days. However, months have passed without any payment, according to the marketers.
As a result, nine major depots in the northern region—Jos, Gusau, Minna, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri—have shut down, worsening fuel supply issues in the region.
IPMAN lamented that the unpaid claims have pushed many of its members into financial distress, with some losing their businesses to banks due to loan defaults. The association also reported staff layoffs and even deaths linked to the economic strain.
Additionally, IPMAN accused the NMDPRA of imposing excessive levies on marketers, including a contentious 5% commission on petrol station sales. “When did NMDPRA become real estate agents, collecting commissions on retail petrol sales?” the association questioned.
IPMAN has vowed to collaborate with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and NARTO in a collective action that could disrupt fuel supply nationwide. It warned that members, who also own significant numbers of petroleum tankers, may be forced to withdraw their vehicles from loading petroleum products if the government does not act swiftly.
The association called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately, warning that if their demands are not met starting Monday, February 24, 2025, they will take necessary actions.
A disruption in fuel distribution could trigger shortages across the country, as past disputes between petroleum marketers, transporters, and regulators have often resulted in nationwide scarcity.
