By John Umeh
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has unveiled new measures to safeguard fuel pump integrity at filling stations, warning against cheating and other sharp practices within the sector.
Chairman of the IPMAN Enugu Unit, Chief Chinedu Anyaso, disclosed this on Sunday in Enugu shortly after the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Enugu Unit oversees members in Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and parts of Abia, Imo, Kogi, and Cross River States.
According to Anyaso, members unanimously resolved to uphold transparency at fuel stations, ensuring customers receive full value for their money.
“IPMAN resolved and planned to set up a task force to ensure compliance of all members to fuel pump integrity,” Anyaso stated.
He explained that the task force, which will be inaugurated in September, would operate through dedicated state teams under the unit. The mandate includes strict monitoring of dispensing pumps, with defaulters facing heavy fines and sanctions.
Firm Stand Against Malpractice
Anyaso stressed that the association is determined to eliminate cheating and fuel-related malpractices, drawing parallels to its earlier success in eradicating the circulation of bad fuel. He emphasized that IPMAN’s credibility rests on service integrity and product excellence.
“In order to sanitise the system and ensure that the reputation of IPMAN and our members’ fuel stations are maintained; the members during the AGM unanimously agreed that fuel pump cheating and malpractice must be stopped,” he added.
Appeal to Governments
The Enugu Unit also commended governors in its coverage area for investments in roads and security, which, according to the chairman, have eased petroleum product distribution.
At the same time, the association raised concerns over unresolved issues in Anambra State. Anyaso disclosed that members will again write Governor Chukwuma Soludo regarding the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) disputes with filling stations, calling for dialogue to reach an amicable resolution.
More pressing, however, is a lingering debt of over ₦900 million allegedly owed IPMAN members by the Anambra State Government for diesel supplied to power streetlights. Anyaso lamented that despite repeated appeals, the debt remains unpaid, pushing many marketers into financial distress.
He revealed that within a few months, eight IPMAN members in Anambra had died due to stress from loan repayment pressures. Some had their stations seized by financial institutions, while others were forced to shut down, leading to staff layoffs.
Warning Against Strike Action
While noting that members are frustrated, Anyaso assured that IPMAN would continue exploring diplomatic channels rather than resort to strikes.
“If IPMAN members go on strike, it is clear that a litre of petrol might rise to between ₦2,000 and ₦3,000 in the state, which will worsen the suffering of ordinary citizens,” he warned.
Focus on Members’ Welfare
The AGM also discussed members’ welfare, petroleum lifting arrangements, and opportunities in the Dangote Direct Sales and Delivery Scheme. Presentations were made by the Federal Inland Revenue Service on electronic tax filing, and by TradeGrid Limited on fuel lifting and solar power installation for filling stations.
Anyaso reiterated IPMAN’s commitment to protecting consumers, restoring integrity in fuel dispensing, and safeguarding the business interests of its members.
