The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to settle a debt amounting to N901 million owed to its members for the supply of Automotive Gas Oil used to power streetlights in the state.
In a reminder letter addressed to Governor Soludo, Chinedu Anyaso and Emeka Iloafor, the Chairman and Secretary of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, highlighted the outstanding amount and the impact it has had on their members’ businesses and livelihoods.
The letter revealed that despite complying with the government’s directive to return generators as a condition for payment, the debt remained unpaid, resulting in severe financial strain for the affected members. Some members have even had to lay off staff and are facing threats from banks and individuals to whom they are indebted.
IPMAN emphasized the urgent need for the debt to be settled, expressing willingness to cooperate with the government for a resolution. The association also mentioned that it had previously made a payment to approximately 70 members involved in the streetlight project before the government terminated their contracts in favor of solar-powered street lights.
In response to IPMAN’s plea, Tony Ifeanya, the state Commissioner for Petroleum, assured that the government was addressing the issue and that a resolution was imminent.
The unresolved debt issue has significant implications for the affected members and the petroleum industry in Anambra. As IPMAN continues to seek a resolution, all eyes are on Governor Soludo’s administration to fulfill its commitment and alleviate the financial burden faced by the association’s members.
