By Abubakar Yunusa
Anambra state government said the N900 million owed to some members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) was due to discrepancies in bills they submitted.
The oil marketers had accused the state of owing them N900 million for diesel they supplied to the Anambra to power streetlight generators in March and April last year.
On September 14, 2023, the state government invited the leadership of IPMAN over the alleged debt.
According to NAN, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, the state commissioner for local government, chieftaincy, and community affairs — who met with representatives of IPMAN on Wednesday — said the delay in payment was also caused by bloated figures.
“We had a fruitful meeting, the marketers agreed that the blame is not entirely on the government but that of the contractors, some of whom have made bloated claims,” Nwabunwanne said.
“But we have considered all that, we are making the necessary adjustments and very soon, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, will issue a directive.”
Chinedu Anyaso, the chairman of IPMAN Enugu depot community, said the debt is affecting their business.
Anyaso led the oil marketers and contractors to the meeting.
“I want to thank Gov. Soludo for the prompt response we got after complaining to him about the debt to our members and the effect on their businesses,” he said.
Anyaso said the oil marketers and contractors understood the reason for the delay after their meeting as the commissioner disclosed the issues causing the late payment.
The chairman said the group looks forward to the fulfilment of the promises made during the meeting.
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