By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Anambra State Chapter, has issued a 21-day warning to the state government over what it described as a persistent harassment and intimidation of its members by government agencies.

The Association which handed out the warning during its well-attended meeting held in Awka on Wednesday said that failure of the government to take action will result in a total shutdown of petroleum services across the state.

According to IPMAN, its members have continuously faced undue harassment, particularly from officials in various local government areas.

It called on its all members to prepare for a complete cessation of operations should the business environment fail to improve within 21 working days from Wednesday.

The association kicked against the current business climate, citing excessive levies imposed by local councils.

IPMAN noted that the councils arbitrarily charge fees without regard for prior agreements between the association and the state government.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Chapter, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso expressed frustration over the multiple challenges faced by members.

He identified unresolved bills related to diesel supplied to the state government for street lighting over the past three years as one of the challenges it is facing.

He said, "Last year, filling stations paid N120,000 through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service. This year, local government councils have taken over the collection process, imposing exorbitant levies.

?Some stations are being asked to pay between N500,000 and N700,000. This is unacceptable."

Anyaso explained that the association was not against a review of payment structures but stressed that such changes must involve dialogue and mutual agreement, not coercion or intimidation.

He added: ?The responsibility for revenue collection has been transferred from the State Internal Revenue Service to local governments, and they are now using the opportunity to impose multiple, arbitrary fees.

?Worse still, attempts to reach out to local government authorities have yielded no results. Instead, our members are being molested and intimidated.

"IPMAN does not have a problem with the state government per se, but it demands immediate intervention.

?We are calling on the state government to take control and prevent further abuse. Our rights must be respected. We are open to discussions, but until we reach a consensus, we refuse to be victimized.

"The association must agree with the government on a standard levy structure to guide members moving forward.

?We are giving the state 21 working days from today, Wednesday, to resolve these issues. If there is no meaningful progress, we will shut down operations completely. The current treatment of our members is not acceptable.

?Enforcement of tank color codes will begin immediately. Any member who fails to comply will face sanctions. There will be no exceptions."

Anyaso further reminded members to renew their operational licenses and to comply with safety protocols, including painting their product tanks according to the approved colour codes

Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue (AiRS), Dr. Greg Ezeilo appealed for patience.

He assured the marketers that Governor Charles Soludo is committed to transparent and productive use of tax revenue.

?I will personally organize a tour of state projects to demonstrate how the governor is deploying resources. The state is undergoing a positive transformation,?

?I assure you that the government will meet with IPMAN to resolve these issues", Ezeilo stated.

On his part, a national officer of IPMAN, Mr. Linus Ngbakaogu, stressed that the solution lies within the association?s own efforts

He said, ?We must stand firmly for our rights. Imagine a station that cannot even sell fuel being asked to pay N200,000 in levies; it is simply unjust."

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