The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has announced that the Federal Government has committed to settling outstanding bridging claims and addressing related issues promptly.
This development follows IPMAN’s recent threat to suspend services if the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority did not pay the over N100 billion owed to marketers.
This was disclosed by the association’s National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, on Thursday, in Abuja, according to a statement signed by the
IPMAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Ukadike Chinedu.
Maigandi stated that the NMDPRA had pledged to resolve the pending claims and related issues.
The IPMAN President said, ”We have been in communication with the NMDPRA and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. They have expressed their commitment to addressing these pending claims and other issues.
“In the meantime, we kindly implore all members to remain calm and patient as we work towards securing the necessary approvals and payments.
”We understand the importance of these claims to you and appreciate your understanding during this process.
”We also encourage all members to refrain from any actions that may disrupt our collective efforts, including strike actions.
“Our upcoming official meeting with the NMDPRA will be a critical opportunity to discuss these matters further, and your participation will be invaluable.”
On Monday, February 24, 2025, IPMAN issued a seven-day ultimatum to the NMDPRA, demanding the payment of N100 billion in bridging claims owed to marketers.
The association warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in the withdrawal of their services.
Bridging claims cover the cost of transporting fuel from former Pipelines and Products Marketing Company depots to designated zones, ensuring a uniform pump price nationwide.
The Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, expressed frustration during a press conference in Abuja over the NMDPRA’s failure to pay bridging claims despite repeated assurances.
He noted that these claims, dating back to 2024, had been deducted from marketers’ payments for products as bridging allowances.
