By Adaobi Nsofor
The Anambra State Government has convened a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the downstream and midstream petroleum sectors, as well as resolving concerns raised by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
The meeting, held on June 24, chaired by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, brought together the leadership of IPMAN and other petroleum marketers operating within the state.
Deliberations centred on petitions submitted by IPMAN to the state government and relevant agencies regarding the appointment of consultants and agents responsible for the collection of levies from petroleum marketers and allied groups, including tanker drivers.
Addressing participants, Prof. Ofoegbu highlighted the importance of maintaining environmental standards around fuel stations and stressed the need for strict compliance with established safety regulations.
He further directed all petroleum marketers to channel tax payments through the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) and mandated that tanker trucks operating within the state must display clearly visible number plates to enhance accountability and effective monitoring.
The commissioner warned that operators who fail to comply with the stipulated regulations would be subjected to appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
According to Prof. Ofoegbu, the Soludo administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic development across the state. He urged stakeholders in the petroleum industry to conduct their operations responsibly and avoid actions capable of generating unnecessary disputes.
Speaking on behalf of IPMAN, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Onyeaso, commended the commissioner for providing clear regulatory guidance and operational standards. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to collaborating with the state government to ensure the uninterrupted supply and efficient distribution of petroleum products across the state.
The ministry stated that further updates would be communicated following the outcome of the planned roundtable engagement.
Adaobi Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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