The Anambra State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government to address “hostile” business conditions, including arbitrary levies and unpaid bills, or face a total shutdown of services.
During a meeting in Awka on Wednesday, IPMAN members decried the lack of clarity and consistency in levies imposed by local governments, which have replaced the previous fixed annual fee of ₦120,000 per station handled by the state’s Inland Revenue Service. Chairman Chinedu Anyaso revealed that local governments now demand fees ranging from ₦500,000 to exorbitant, unspecified amounts, with marketers facing harassment when attempting to negotiate.
Anyaso also highlighted unresolved debts, noting that the Anambra government has yet to pay for diesel supplied to power streetlights over the past three years. “We are not against levies, but they must be agreed upon transparently,” he stated, urging regulators to intervene.
Chief Linus Mgbakogu, IPMAN’s adviser on pipelines, condemned the “hostile” environment, warning that members had considered drastic actions but paused due to ongoing talks. The association called for immediate government action to standardize fees and halt intimidation, threatening to halt operations if demands are unmet within 21 working days.
