The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has announced the parliament’s intention to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the federal government and petroleum marketers, particularly concerning allocation and outstanding debts.
Speaker Abbas revealed that a panel led by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, will engage with relevant stakeholders to address issues affecting the supply chain of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in Nigeria.
During a visit by the national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) to his office in Abuja, Speaker Abbas expressed the House’s gratitude to IPMAN for their vital role in the economy, especially in ensuring energy supply amid challenges such as poor infrastructure and insecurity.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by IPMAN, including price fluctuations, and urged patience, assuring them of the government’s goodwill towards the association.
Speaker Abbas assured that the House would take necessary steps to address issues related to PMS allocation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, formerly NNPC, and the outstanding N200 billion debt owed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to IPMAN members.
He urged IPMAN to reconsider their planned strike and assured them that the House would intervene, emphasizing that industrial action should be a last resort.
The President of IPMAN highlighted the association’s capacity to ensure adequate fuel supply across the country and appealed for the Speaker’s intervention in resolving the debt owed by NMDPRA.
The statements made indicate the commitment of the House of Representatives to facilitate dialogue and find solutions to the challenges facing the petroleum sector.
