AWKA, Nigeria — The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Anambra State Chapter, has issued a 21-working-day ultimatum to the state government, threatening a total shutdown of petroleum services across the state if persistent harassment and excessive levies by local government authorities are not addressed.
The warning was delivered on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during a well-attended meeting of the association in Awka, where IPMAN members decried what they described as a deteriorating business environment marked by intimidation and arbitrary charges from local government officials.
Chairman of the Enugu Depot Unit of IPMAN, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, told journalists that members are being subjected to unjust treatment and unauthorised fees, despite previously agreed arrangements with the Anambra State government.
“Last year, filling stations paid ₦120,000 through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service,” Anyaso said.
“This year, local government councils have taken over the collection process, imposing exorbitant levies. Some stations are being asked to pay between ₦500,000 and ₦700,000. This is unacceptable.”
He further explained that the association is not against tax reviews but insisted that any changes must follow dialogue and consensus.
“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,” he said.
IPMAN also accused local officials of ignoring appeals for dialogue.
“Attempts to reach out to local government authorities have yielded no results. Instead, our members are being molested and intimidated,” Anyaso stated.
The association is also contending with unresolved debts allegedly owed by the state government for diesel supplied for street lighting projects over the past three years.
While distancing the association from any political confrontation, Anyaso called on the Anambra State Government to intervene urgently and reassert control over revenue collection processes to prevent further abuse.
“We are open to discussions, but until we reach a consensus, we refuse to be victimised. Our rights must be respected,” he said.
“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.”
He also directed members to begin enforcing approved tank colour codes, warning that non-compliant stations would face internal sanctions.
In response, the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), Dr. Greg Ezeilo, appealed for calm and assured marketers that the government was committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in tax administration.
“I will personally organise a tour of state projects to demonstrate how the governor is deploying resources. The state is undergoing a positive transformation,” Ezeilo said, adding that the government would initiate talks with IPMAN to resolve the issues raised.
Also weighing in, Mr. Linus Ngbakaogu, a national officer of IPMAN, emphasised the need for the association to remain resolute in demanding fair treatment.
“Imagine a station that cannot even sell fuel being asked to pay ₦200,000 in levies; it is simply unjust,” he said.
