The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has stated that the parliament will intervene in the issues between the Federal Government and petroleum marketers, particularly concerning allocation and debt.
Speaker Abbas announced that the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, would chair a panel to engage with all relevant stakeholders on the challenges affecting the supply chain of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria.
He made these remarks during a visit by the national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) to his office in Abuja.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the crucial role played by IPMAN in the economy, ensuring energy supply amidst challenges such as poor roads and insecurity nationwide. He expressed awareness of the difficulties faced by IPMAN, including price fluctuations, and urged patience, emphasising the government’s goodwill towards the association.
The Speaker also addressed concerns regarding the allocation of PMS supply by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (formerly NNPC) and the issue of over N200 billion in non-payment by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to IPMAN members.
“We urge you to please slow down; to please soft pedal on your planned strike,” Speaker Abbas urged, assuring the association that the House would address the matter.
He emphasised that industrial action should be the last resort and encouraged its suspension pending intervention.
Earlier, the President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, criticised the alleged misuse of the petrol-sharing formula by the NNPC. Shettima highlighted the original allocation formula, stating that IPMAN was capable of ensuring adequate supplies with its over 150,000 outlets across the country.
He also raised concerns about the NMDPRA’s alleged debt of about N200 billion to IPMAN members, seeking the Speaker’s intervention.