Nigeria could soon face a nationwide fuel crisis as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to halt operations. The association is demanding the payment of outstanding bridging claims worth N100 billion from the government.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, the Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, voiced concerns over the government’s failure to meet its financial obligations.
He noted that despite assurances made 40 days ago in the presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has yet to release the payments.
Alhasan explained that the situation has severely affected petroleum depots across several northern states, including Jos, Gusau, Minna, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri. These depots have reportedly been unable to function properly due to the prolonged financial crisis.
Alhasan said, “If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation.”
“We are extremely frustrated that one year after our last demand as a forum, requesting the payment of over N100 billion owed to our members in bridging and NTA claims by the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, the management of the NMDPRA has deliberately ignored our request, even after making clear promises to pay us.
“One of those promises was made by the NMDPRA at the stakeholders’ meeting convened on the eve of the last strike action declared by NARTO. At that stakeholders’ meeting, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, listed this same IPMAN bridging claim as part of their demands before the strike action would be called off.”
Beyond the issue of unpaid debts, IPMAN also raised concerns about a new 5% levy imposed on petroleum marketers by the NMDPRA. The association described the charge as unconstitutional and harmful to business operations, further complicating an already difficult economic situation for marketers.
With the deadline set for February 24, 2025, IPMAN has called on President Bola Tinubu to step in and resolve the issue before it leads to a nationwide fuel shortage. The association stressed that if their demands are not met, they will have no choice but to suspend fuel distribution across the country.
