February 26, 2025
The seven days ultimatum given by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to pay their long overdue N100 billion bridging claims or they will be forced to proceed on strike, has suffered a setback as the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has rejected calls for industrial action.
PETROAN, urged its members to continue operations despite the ongoing dispute between IPMAN and NMDPRA, stating that a strike action could have dire consequences for Nigerians and sector itself.
PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joseph Obele, announced the decision after an emergency national executive meeting on Tuesday, in Abuja. He assured members that the association is committed to dialogue and negotiation rather than an industry-wide shutdown that will likely disrupt the nation’s economy.
“While acknowledging the frustration and concerns of members regarding the unpaid bridging claims, PETROAN firmly believes that a shutdown will have devastating consequences.
“These consequences include fuel scarcity, economic disruption, and hardship for the Nigerian people,” Obele said.
Obele, reaffirmed the PETROAN’s belief in resolving the issue through constructive engagement and called on IPMAN, NMDPRA and all stakeholders to approach the matter amicably to overall benefits.
READ MORE; IPMAN Threatens strike If NMDPRA Fails On N100b Unpaid Bridging
“A lot will also be achieved if we avoid costly and damaging shutdowns and ensure the continued stability and growth of the downstream petroleum sector.”
While urging regulatory authorities to expedite the payment of outstanding claims to ease the financial burden, Obele, commended President Bola Tinubu’s reform in the petroleum industry and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the sector for economic stability.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, had earlier in the week threatened strike actions over the non-payment of over N100 billion in bridging claims owed to its members by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
IPMAN also accused the NMDPRA of imposing “abnormal levies” on marketers, including a controversial 5% commission on petrol station sales
