IPMAN Urges Full Settlement of ₦200bn Bridging Claims, Commends DSS for Mediation Efforts

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Shettima, has called on the Nigerian National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to settle the remaining backlog of fuel bridging claims owed to petroleum marketers.

Shettima made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Usman Dauda, on Tuesday. He expressed appreciation for the interventions facilitated by the DSS, particularly the role of its Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, in mediating between IPMAN and the federal government, which led to a partial disbursement of the outstanding claims.

“While we commend the DSS for its support and partnership, we must also highlight that a significant portion of the bridging claims owed by the NMDPRA remains unpaid,” Shettima said.

According to a statement issued by IPMAN, the NMDPRA has only paid ₦50 billion out of the ₦200 billion owed. An IPMAN official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, confirmed the figures, stating that the unpaid debt continues to weigh heavily on the operations of member marketers.

Fuel bridging claims are government subsidies paid to marketers to cover the costs of transporting petroleum products from coastal depots to far-flung areas of the country. The scheme is intended to ensure that petrol is sold at a uniform price nationwide, regardless of location-based logistics costs.

The accumulation of the bridging claims dates back to September 2022. IPMAN had earlier threatened to shut down its over 30,000 member-operated filling stations if the federal government failed to act on the matter. That threat prompted the DSS to intervene, resulting in a temporary resolution and partial payment.

During the meeting, Shettima reiterated IPMAN’s commitment to supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and he praised the DSS for helping to maintain peace and stability within the petroleum marketing sector.

He further commended Usman Dauda for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the FCT and assured continued collaboration with the security agency to foster national cohesion and economic sustainability.

In response, Dauda thanked the IPMAN delegation for its visit and acknowledged the association’s vital role in national development, pledging continued support for its leadership and initiatives aimed at securing Nigerians’ access to fuel and other petroleum products.