The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged its members to suspend the proposed nationwide shutdown over the unpaid N100 billion bridging claims owed by the Nigerian government. This decision comes after productive discussions with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who have assured prompt resolution of the issue.
Averting a Crisis
IPMAN had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum, threatening to shut down operations across the country if the N100 billion bridging claims were not paid. Bridging claims are payments made to marketers to offset the cost of transporting petroleum products from depots to filling stations, ensuring uniform pricing nationwide.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, IPMAN’s spokesperson, Chinedu Ukadike, announced that the association is now working closely with the NMDPRA and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to resolve the outstanding payments.
Assurances from Authorities
Ukadike revealed that the government has committed to addressing the backlog of claims and other related issues. “We have been in communication with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. They have expressed their commitment to addressing these pending claims and other issues,” he said.
He added, “They equally assured us that payment will take place within a short period.”
This assurance has provided temporary relief to IPMAN members, who rely on these payments to sustain their operations and maintain the supply of petroleum products across the country.
IPMAN’s Leadership Steps In
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of IPMAN, led by Alhaji Abubakar Shettima Maigandi, has been actively engaged in resolving the issue. Ukadike stated, “I have been directed to address the concerns regarding the outstanding bridging claims backlog that many of our members are currently experiencing. Please be assured that the NEC of IPMAN is actively engaged in resolving these issues as swiftly as possible.”
What’s Next?
While the planned shutdown has been called off for now, IPMAN members are closely monitoring the situation. The association has made it clear that it expects the government to fulfill its promises and clear the outstanding payments within the agreed timeframe.
The resolution of this issue is critical to maintaining stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, which has been grappling with challenges such as fuel scarcity, rising costs, and logistical bottlenecks.
Key Takeaways
IPMAN has suspended its planned nationwide shutdown over unpaid N100 billion bridging claims.
The association is engaging with the NMDPRA and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to resolve the issue.
Authorities have assured that payments will be made within a short period.
IPMAN’s leadership is working to ensure a swift resolution to the crisis.
The resolution is crucial for maintaining stability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
