IPMAN to down tool over N100bn unpaid bridging claims

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a stern warning of a possible nationwide strike if the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fails to settle over N100 billion in outstanding bridging claims owed to its members.

In a communique released on Monday, the association expressed growing frustration with the NMDPRA’s failure to fulfill its financial commitments, despite repeated assurances.

The statement, signed by Yahaya Alhassan, Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, highlighted that the NMDPRA had previously promised to resolve the debt but has consistently reneged on those promises.

According to the IPMAN communique, the NMDPRA had made a public commitment to pay the bridging claims within 40 days, following a stakeholders’ meeting where the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) demanded payment before halting a planned strike action.

The meeting, which involved high-ranking government officials such as National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, and DG DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, was seen as an opportunity for resolution.

However, 40 days have since turned into several months without any sign of payment. IPMAN noted that this continued delay has severely impacted the operations of its members.

“One of those promises was made by the NMDPRA at the stakeholders meeting on the eve of the last strike action declared by NARTO. At that meeting, the NMDPRA assured us that the bridging claims would be paid within 40 days, but now months have passed, and there is still no hope of payment,” the statement read.

IPMAN also lamented the devastating economic consequences of the delayed payments, noting that many of its members have been forced to close their businesses, lay off staff, or, in some cases, suffer personal tragedies due to the financial burden.

“Many of our members have lost their businesses to commercial banks as they are unable to meet loan repayment obligations due to the unfulfilled payments of bridging claims,” the statement added.

In addition to the outstanding claims, IPMAN accused the NMDPRA of imposing “abnormal levies” on its members. One of the most contentious issues raised was a 5 per cent commission on petrol station sales, which IPMAN described as an illegitimate imposition.

“When has the NMDPRA turned itself into a real estate agent, collecting a commission on sales of retail petrol outlets?” the communique questioned.