The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), specifically from the Mosimi Depot located in Ogun State, expressed serious concerns on Tuesday regarding the ongoing fuel scarcity affecting the Southwest region of Nigeria. The association attributed this troubling situation primarily to the unwillingness of the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to supply petroleum products to its members, despite the fact that payments were made three months ago. This refusal has led to significant hardships for both the marketers and the general public.
In light of these pressing issues, IPMAN has urgently appealed to the federal government, as well as other key stakeholders in the oil industry, to intervene and persuade the management of NNPCL to stop withholding petroleum products from its members. Such intervention is crucial to alleviate the mounting difficulties that citizens are currently facing due to the scarcity of fuel. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, and the association believes that immediate action is necessary to ensure that the needs of the public and its members are met.
During a press interaction in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, the Chairman of IPMAN Mosimi Depot, Otunba Femi Adelaja, voiced his frustration over the circumstances. He revealed that since June of this year, his members have collectively made a substantial deposit payment of N75.142 billion to the NNPCL for the supply of petroleum products through the Lagos Private Depot Owners (PDO). However, despite this significant financial commitment, the NNPCL has failed to provide any products to these marketers, which has left them in a precarious position.
Adelaja expressed deep concern over the lack of product supply from NNPCL, noting that it has been three months since the payment was made without any fulfillment. He accused the management of the corporation of misusing the deposits made by IPMAN members to benefit larger marketers, thereby undermining the interests of the smaller marketers who are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Many of these members are relying on bank loans to operate, which adds to their financial burden as they are charged interest on any funds released to them.
The chairman further criticized NNPCL for what he described as a deliberate hoarding of petroleum products from its members. He stated that it is disheartening to witness the corporation utilizing his members’ hard-earned deposits to supply larger companies such as Total, OANDO, and Ardova. These companies then resell the products to a limited number of customers, which forces them to sell at inflated prices to the public. This practice not only harms IPMAN members but also contributes to the fuel scarcity that is affecting everyday Nigerians.
“As I speak with you, we are astonished to see that the NNPC has not provided us with any supply,” Adelaja remarked, emphasizing the frustration felt by his members. He highlighted that instead of supporting local marketers, the corporation seems more focused on operating its own mega stations, using the deposits from IPMAN members to do so. This situation has become increasingly untenable, as many of the businesses in the association are struggling to survive due to the financial pressures imposed by their reliance on bank loans.
In light of these challenges, IPMAN Mosimi Depot is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their support in urging the management of NNPCL to reconsider its stance. The association fears that if the current situation continues unchecked, it may ultimately lead to the collapse of many of its members’ businesses. The plight of these marketers and the resulting impact on the public underscores the urgent need for a resolution to this crisis, and IPMAN is hopeful that collective action can bring about the necessary changes.
