IPMAN Shelves Planned Strike Over N100 Billion Claims, Assures Peaceful Resolution Of Grievances With NMDPRA, Ministry

The leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged its members to shelve the planned strike over failure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to offset claims owed to the members.

IPMAN had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to NMDPRA
to pay the bridging claims owed marketers amounting to N100bn or face an industrial action.

Bridging claims represent the cost of transporting fuel from the former Pipelines and Products Marketing Company depots to approved zones to ensure a uniform pump price across the country.

IPMAN further threatened to withdraw services if the amount was not paid to them before the deadline.

But in a twist of events Thursday, IPMAN said its National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Alhaji Abubakar Shettima Maigandi is actively engaged in resolving the issues in contest as swiftly as possible.

In a statement signed by the IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ukadike Chinedu on behalf IPMAN NEC, the association encouraged members “to refrain from any action(s) that may disrupt our collective efforts, including strike actions.”

According to the statement, “We have been in communication with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources .

“They have expressed their commitment to addressing these pending claims and other issues.They equally assured us that payment will take place within a short period.

“In the meantime, we kindly implore all members to remain calm and patient as we work towards securing the necessary approvals and payments. We understand the importance of these claims to you and appreciate your understanding during this process.”