Abuja, February 24, 2025 – Nigeria may soon experience a nationwide fuel scarcity as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government over unpaid bridging claims totaling N100 billion.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to fulfill its promise to clear the debt, despite assurances made 40 days ago in the presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Alhasan stated that several northern depots—including those in Jos, Gusau, Minna, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri—have become completely non-operational due to the prolonged non-payment.
“If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation,” Alhasan warned.
He further lamented the negative impact of the outstanding debt on marketers, citing multiple business closures, job losses, and financial struggles, with some members even losing their properties to commercial banks.
IPMAN also criticized the imposition of a 5% levy on fuel station sales by the NMDPRA, questioning its legality and calling for its immediate suspension.
In response to the ongoing crisis, IPMAN is seeking collaboration with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to enforce the payment of their claims. If their demands are not met by the end of the ultimatum, they may resort to halting fuel distribution across the country.
The association called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently intervene to prevent an imminent nationwide fuel crisis.
With IPMAN’s deadline fast approaching, Nigerians may face another round of fuel shortages and price hikes if the dispute remains unresolved.
