Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Anambra State have threatened to shutdown Operations across thenthe state on Aug. 25.
The impending strike is in solidarity with Siluch Oil and Gas Limited, an IPMAN member, being owed N13.6 million for petroleum products it supplied to Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS), since 2017.
IPMAN had on Aug.4, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government, to pay off the debt, and also address other issues raised by the association.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Awka, Mr Chinedu Anayaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot, said that the shutdown would be total until all conditions were met.
Anayaso said apart from the debt payment, his members were resisting any form of tax/levy increase by the government, as the economy did not currently support such additional burden on businesses.
“We are counting days, we have not seen anything that shows that the state government is treating our letter to them with the seriousness it deserves.
“We expect that they pay the young man his money, withdraw all cases against our members for refusing to pay the levies we did not agree on, and revert to the annual unified levy we reached an agreement on,” he said.
He said that the action would be total because IPMAN, NUPENG and Petrol Tanker Drivers were together in the plan, adding that anyone who violated the order would pay a fine of N500, 000.
He also said within the period of shutdown, no product destined for Anambra would be loaded, adding sadly however, other states like Enugu and Ebonyi under the zone would be affected.
Reacting, Mr Afam Mbanefo, Commissioner for Transport in Anambra, said he had been briefed on the debt and that he was already working on it.
Mbanefo said that government would ensure that every stakeholder got what was due to them.
“I have looked at the transactions of this office since I assumed office and this debt amounting to N13.57 million was presented, and IPMAN leadership had also visited me on the same matter.
“I did a review with TRACAS and requested for a lot more information about the procurement procedures, gathered enough relevant documents and have gone ahead to raise a memo to the governor.
“I understand that the particular marketer is still doing business with the state government to keep his business running while we resolve the issue.
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“My initial question was how on earth was he supplying diesel to the level that it got to that amount, and he did not question how he would be paid.
“I sent the memo mid July, and I am sure it will be under review by now,” he said.
Mbanefo said his ministry was talking with IPMAN to ensure that there was no breakdown of their services.
He said that Anambra had a good relationship with IPMAN and would do all that it could to ensure that the marketer recovered his money; and the government maintained the good relationship with the association.
