The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns that delays in settling longstanding government debts could disrupt fuel supply nationwide.
According to IPMAN, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has yet to clear claims owed to marketers dating back to the defunct Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). The association said these unpaid claims, some pending for over three years, are putting pressure on marketers who operate on narrow profit margins.
IPMAN National President Abubakar Maigandi expressed frustration, saying the association had shown patience beyond reasonable limits. He recalled that an earlier planned strike was suspended after assurances from NMDPRA that payments would be made promptly, but most members have yet to receive their dues.
Maigandi urged the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, to intervene and ensure the debts are cleared immediately, warning that further delays could force the association to take stronger action.
The debts stem from the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, which reimburses marketers for transporting fuel across the country to maintain uniform pump prices. According to IPMAN, years of unresolved claims, verification challenges, and rising logistics costs have contributed to a backlog of unpaid reimbursements.
While efforts to reach NMDPRA for comment were unsuccessful, IPMAN praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for taking prompt action in addressing marketers’ pending liabilities. Maigandi noted that NNPC has begun compiling lists of marketers with outstanding balances and facilitating product access once payments are cleared.
IPMAN also highlighted the potential benefits of the Dangote Refinery, saying direct access to refined petrol could help stabilize pump prices and boost the economy. Maigandi defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, noting it has saved Nigeria billions of naira and opened new investment opportunities in refining and distribution.
He called on marketers to unite and leverage emerging opportunities in the upstream and midstream sectors of the petroleum industry, stressing that collaboration is key to making significant progress.
