The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has given the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) a seven-day ultimatum to pay outstanding bridging claims totaling N100bn.
Failure to meet this deadline may lead to a nationwide strike, potentially causing scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
IPMAN’s threat comes after the NMDPRA failed to settle the debt despite promises made 40 days ago in the presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The association’s Chairman, Yahaya Alhasan, expressed frustration over the NMDPRA’s failure to settle the bridging claims, which date back to 2024.
Alhasan warned that if the NMDPRA doesn’t pay the outstanding amount within seven days, IPMAN members will withdraw their services across the nation. This move could exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing fuel crisis, which has seen prices surge due to scarcity.
The bridging claims were deducted from marketers’ payments for products to settle bridging allowances. IPMAN’s ultimatum highlights the need for urgent action to resolve the outstanding debt and prevent a nationwide strike.
Key Implications:
– _Nationwide Strike:_ IPMAN’s threat to withdraw services could lead to a nationwide strike, causing scarcity of PMS.
– _Fuel Crisis:_ The ongoing fuel crisis may worsen due to the potential strike.
– _Economic Impact:_ A prolonged strike could have significant economic implications, affecting businesses and individuals reliant on PMS.
The situation remains fluid, and developments will be closely monitored.