The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states have threatened to shut down their filling stations over unpaid claims.

Addressing newsmen after their enlarged meeting in Sokoto, the members claimed that they were owed N40 billion as bridging expenses.

Their chairman, Alhaji Yahya Kamba, said the money was supposed to be paid on weekly basis by the federal government.

“But it is 11 months now without any payment. This money is not a subsidy, it is our individual contribution based on the agreement entered with the government.

“The marketers contribute a certain percentage and the importers also made their own contribution, we wonder why the government cannot give us our money,” he said.

Another marketer, Sirajo Abu Kure said many of their members had left the business because it was no longer profitable.

“The government asked the depots to give each liter of fuel at the cost of N147 but they are selling it to us at the cost of N155 to N160 and we spent N30 to transport each liter to our various stations.

“So each liter will cost us around N185. How can we sell it at the government approved price? It is not possible,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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