Anambra Government’s N900 Million Debt to IPMAN May Push Pump Price to N3000 Per Liter

The Anambra State Government is indebted to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to the tune of N900 million, a situation that may cause fuel prices to soar to N3,000 per litre.

 

IPMAN has urged the Anambra State Government to promptly address the outstanding debt owed to its members for the diesel supplied to power streetlights in the state, thereby averting a potential escalation in fuel prices.

 

This was revealed by Chief Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN’s Enugu Unit, on Sunday in Enugu, following the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

 

Anyaso highlighted that the members collectively resolved to once again communicate with Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra regarding the internally generated revenue (IGR) of fuel stations within the state.

 

“The debt from the Anambra State Government has persisted for over a year, despite three formal letters and direct appeals to the governor and relevant state officials. As of now, no action has been taken.

 

“We are opting for a diplomatic approach, as we wish to avoid instructing our members to strike or cease fuel sales, which would only exacerbate the plight and hardship of ordinary citizens.

 

“If IPMAN members were to strike, the price of a litre of fuel could potentially rise to between N2,000 and N3,000 in the state, along with other adverse consequences of such action.

 

“Nevertheless, we implore the state government to heed our appeal and consider the dire circumstances of IPMAN members, who have supplied fuel and now face indebtedness to financial institutions.”

 

Anyaso further noted that in recent months, eight IPMAN members in Anambra have passed away due to stress and shock induced by financial institutions’ aggressive demands for loan repayment.

 

“Some members have seen their stations taken over by financial institutions, others have closed down, and many have had to lay off staff due to financial constraints,” he added.

 

IPMAN to Monitor Member Malpractices IPMAN has announced initiatives to uphold fuel pump integrity at filling stations, addressing cheating and related malpractices.

 

Anyaso stated that members unanimously agreed at the AGM to maintain fuel pump integrity, ensuring Nigerians receive value for their money.

 

He emphasized that IPMAN is dedicated to preserving its reputation for service and product excellence, adding:

 

“IPMAN has resolved to establish a task force to ensure compliance among all members regarding fuel pump integrity.”

 

The task force is slated for inauguration in September and will operate through dedicated teams in each state under the unit’s jurisdiction.

 

“To cleanse the system and maintain the reputation of IPMAN and its members’ fuel stations, members at the AGM unanimously agreed to eliminate fuel pump cheating and malpractice.

 

“IPMAN will soon establish a daily mandate task force, with members collectively agreeing on substantial monetary fines and sanctions for any non-compliant fuel station owned by a member,” he stated.

 

He noted the association’s commitment to rigorously addressing the issue through its internal disciplinary mechanism, akin to its previous efforts to eliminate the stocking of substandard fuel.

 

The chairman also acknowledged the progress made by various governors and state governments in development, particularly in road and security infrastructure across the unit’s jurisdictions.

 

“We are encouraged by the governors’ dedication to fostering a conducive business environment and ensuring smooth road access for fuel distribution to all corners of the unit,” he remarked.

 

The chairman noted that members also discussed welfare matters, improved methods of transporting petrol products, and participation in the Dangote Direct Sales and Delivery Scheme, as well as the JEZCO Oil and Gas offer to support members.

 

Noteworthy Points In February, IPMAN threatened strike action over unpaid bridging claims exceeding N100 billion owed to its members by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

 

In March, IPMAN urged filling station proprietors to implement comprehensive fire safety measures to prevent incidents and minimize the loss of lives and property.

 

The Enugu Unit of IPMAN encompasses independent petroleum marketers in Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, as well as parts of Abia, Imo, Kogi, and Cross River States.