…gives 21 days Ultimatum
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have stated that the group will embark on a total shutdown if the Anambra State Government fails to address the persistent extortion, harassment and intimidation of its members.
The group equally issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government which starts from 14th May, 2025 to 4th of June 2025 failure to do so, the association warns, will result to a total shutdown of petroleum services across the state.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Executive Chairman IPMAN Enugu depot Unit comprising of Enugu state, Anambra, Ebonyi, part of Kogi, Abia Imo and Cross River state made this known at the group’s General Meeting held at Awka, Anambra state.
The association condemned the current business climate, citing excessive levies imposed by local government councils which varies in price depending on the negotiations, harassment, and extortion.
Mr Anyaso who spoke to newsmen shortly after the meeting expressed dissatisfaction over the multiple challenges levied on members adding that unresolved bills related to diesels supplied to the state government for street lighting over the past three years are still pending.
“Last year, filling stations paid N120,000 through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service. This year, local government councils have taken over the collection process, imposing exorbitant levies,”
“Some stations are being asked to pay between N500,000 and N700,000. This is unacceptable.”Anyaso said.
He added that the association was not against a review of payment structures but insisted such changes must involve dialogue and mutual agreement, not coercion or intimidation.
“The responsibility for revenue collection has been transferred from the State Internal Revenue Service to local governments, and they are now using the opportunity to impose multiple, arbitrary fees,”
“Worse still, attempts to reach out to local government authorities have yielded no results. Instead, our members are being molested and harassed.”he explained.
The IPMAN Boss also emphasized that IPMAN are not in any disarray with the state government per se, but it demands immediate intervention.
“We are calling on the state government to take control and prevent further abuse. Our rights must be respected. We are open to discussions, but until we reach a consensus, we refuse to be victimized,” he said.
He reiterated that the association must agree with the government on a standard levy structure to guide members moving forward.
“We are giving the state 21 working days from today, Wednesday, to resolve these issues. If there is no meaningful progress, we will shut down operations completely. The current treatment of our members is unacceptable,” he warned.
Anyaso also reminded members to renew their operational licenses and to comply with safety protocols, including painting their product tanks according to the approved colour codes.
“Enforcement of tank color codes will begin immediately. Any member who fails to comply will face sanctions. There will be no exceptions,” he said.
In response, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue (AiRS), appealed for patience.
He assured the marketers that Governor Charles Soludo is committed to transparent and productive use of tax revenue.
“I will personally organize a tour of state projects to demonstrate how the governor is deploying resources. The state is undergoing a positive transformation,”
“I assure you that the government will meet with IPMAN to resolve these issues.”Ezeilo said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Linus Ngbakaogu, a national officer of IPMAN, stressed that the solution lies within the association’s own efforts.
“We must take responsibility and write formally to the government. The situation in Anambra has become intolerable, and we need collective resolve to confront it,”
“We must stand firmly for our rights. Imagine a station that cannot even sell fuel being asked to pay N200,000 in levies,it is simply unjust.”he said
