The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mosimi Depot, has urgently called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to fulfill its obligation by supplying petroleum products worth N75.142 billion, which IPMAN members have paid for since June.
The association claims that the lack of supply has significantly contributed to the severe fuel scarcity affecting the South West region of Nigeria.
According to IPMAN, the current crisis stems from NNPCL’s failure to deliver the purchased products, despite receiving full payment from its members three months ago. This delay has led to widespread fuel shortages, exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by consumers and businesses alike.
In a press briefing in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Otunba Femi Adelaja, Chairman of IPMAN Mosimi Depot, revealed that since June, IPMAN members have deposited a staggering sum of N75.142 billion for the procurement of petroleum products through the Lagos Private Depot Owners (PDO). However, the expected supplies have not been forthcoming from NNPCL.
Adelaja criticized NNPCL’s management for allegedly using IPMAN’s payments to benefit other marketers, suggesting that the corporation’s actions have been detrimental to IPMAN members.
He accused NNPCL of prioritizing the interests of other parties at the expense of those who have already paid and are struggling with financial strain.
The IPMAN chairman appealed to the federal government and other key stakeholders in the oil industry to intervene. He urged them to press NNPCL to immediately provide the petroleum products and address the situation, which he believes is causing unnecessary hardship for the public.
The call for intervention underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, where supply chain issues and financial disputes between oil marketers and suppliers are impacting fuel availability and pricing across the country.