The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Governor Charles Soludo to pay N900.7 million owed to about 70 contractors. The debt is associated with the supply of diesel to the Anambra government in 2022 for streetlight generators, which remains unpaid.
IPMAN conveyed their appeal to Governor Soludo through a letter signed by Chinedu Anyaso and Emeka Iloafor, the chairman and secretary of IPMAN, respectively. The letter, titled ‘Request For Debt Payment Of N900,664,805.00 Owed Our Members For Diesel Supplied and Services Rendered In Respect Of Street Lights’, was issued on Wednesday.
According to IPMAN, the decision to intervene in this matter was made at the association’s annual general meeting in Enugu on August 24. The debt in question pertains to the period of March and April 2022, during which IPMAN was authorized to supply diesel for the streetlights. However, they were later directed to halt their operations by the current administration.
IPMAN has urged Governor Soludo to promptly settle the outstanding debts, which have been duly verified. This would enable the affected members, who are currently on the verge of closing their businesses, to stay operational. The association also highlighted the liquidity crisis faced by members who borrowed funds from banks for their operations but are unable to repay them.
The letter to Governor Soludo expressed appreciation for his efforts in improving Anambra, while urgently drawing his attention to the refusal of the department responsible for paying for diesel and services related to the streetlights. The debt is stated to amount to N900,664,805 for the months of March and April 2022.
IPMAN emphasized the critical situation faced by its members due to the outstanding debts and the ensuing pressure from banks to repay the loans obtained for their business activities. The breakdown of the debts was attached to the letter for the governor’s reference.
Upon reaching out to TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the commissioner for local government, chieftaincy, and community affairs, responsible for overseeing the transaction, he stated that he has not yet seen the letter. However, Mr. Nwabunwanne acknowledged his awareness of the contractors’ difficulties and assured that the government would take appropriate action.
In light of this situation, IPMAN expects Governor Soludo to address the concerns and settle the long-standing debt owed to its members, providing them with much-needed relief and stability. The public eagerly awaits the governor’s response to this pressing matter.
