Commercial activities in Anambra were brought to a halt on Wednesday as independent petrol marketers across the state closed their outlets. The temporary closure was to ensure full attendance at an important meeting between the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria, Anambra chapter.
Motorists who were hoping to purchase fuel in the morning were left stranded, while those who resorted to the black market paid as high as N700 per litre of petrol.
Following the meeting, Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot, which is in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, expressed concern for their members whose filling stations have been earmarked for demolition by the Anambra government. The demolition is to make way for a flyover project planned by the government.
Anyaso appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to provide adequate compensation for the owners of the 13 affected outlets and ensure that their families and businesses do not suffer. He stated that IPMAN had sought an audience with the governor for a dialogue on the matter but had not received a response.
He highlighted that IPMAN and the Anambra government are partners in progress and emphasized their desire for a mutually-rewarding resolution of the issue, rather than a conflict.
“We are worried about the suffering of our members who will be displaced by the flyover project at Ekwulobia. There is no form of resettlement plan for them, so we are calling for adequate compensation. We want to meet and discuss with the government,” stated Anyaso.
He also urged IPMAN members to fulfill their civic responsibility by promptly paying the mutually-agreed consolidated yearly rate of N120,000 while calling on the Anambra government to regulate community groups and others who demand additional payments.
Chief Linus Mgbakogu, the representative of the Southeast in the National leadership of IPMAN, also called on the Anambra government to engage in dialogue to address the concerns of the affected parties. He assured that IPMAN would stand in solidarity with its members to prevent unbearable suffering resulting from the development project.
In response, the Anambra government acknowledged the concerns raised by IPMAN but clarified that the demolition was not specifically targeted at petrol marketers, but at all individuals whose properties are situated on the corridor. Tony Ifeanya, Commissioner for Petroleum, explained that the government’s action was in accordance with the Land Use Act, which allows for compulsory acquisition of land for overriding public interest.
However, Ifeanya assured the public that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is committed to due process and recognizes the need for a compensation plan for those affected by the project.
The IPMAN leaders directed their members to resume business operations while waiting for a response from the government.
It is important to note that this report was sourced from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
