Emmanuel OchayiThe Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) issued a warning to halt its operations in Anambra State due to the Anambra State Government’s failure to settle a debt amounting to N900 million.
Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of the IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, voiced the association’s concerns during a press conference held in Awka.
Anyaso expressed deep frustration over the government’s termination of a contract to supply Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for street lighting and subsequent non-payment to the tune of N900,664,805 owed to contractors.
He emphasized the adverse impact this delay has inflicted upon IPMAN members, leaving them burdened with heavy debts to lenders and causing severe distress to their businesses due to the tied-up capital.
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“We’ve met the conditions set forth by the government for payment, including the return of all generators as per their directive for the street light project. However, despite our compliance, the promised payment remains outstanding,” Anyaso stated.
IPMAN’s efforts to address the matter have been met with disappointing silence from the Anambra government.
Anyaso revealed that the association had communicated its readiness for payment through a titled document, “Request For Debt Payment of N900,664,805.00 owed our members for Diesel supplied and Services Rendered in Respect Of Street Lights.”
This formal request, addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, emphasized full compliance with returning the generators and urged prompt settlement of the debt owed.
“We’ve fulfilled our end of the bargain; it’s now incumbent upon the government to honor its commitment and settle our members’ dues,” Anyaso said.
The unresolved debt issue has placed a severe strain on IPMAN members, prompting the association to contemplate the suspension of operations in Anambra State until the outstanding payment is made.
As the impasse persists, the fate of the association’s operations in the state hangs in the balance, awaiting a decisive response from the authorities.
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