By Nwanneka Okechukwu
The Anambra State Government has suspended a consultant appointed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to monitor activities in the downstream petroleum sector following complaints by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
The development was disclosed during a meeting between the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, and members of IPMAN, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr Chinedu Onyeso on
June 10.
IPMAN had earlier written a protest letter to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alleging that the consultant had exceeded the scope of his official responsibilities in the course of monitoring petroleum filling stations across the state.
Addressing the concerns raised by the marketers, Prof. Ofoegbu conveyed the governor’s intervention, assuring stakeholders that the consultant had been suspended pending further review of the issues raised.
The commissioner also announced plans for a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting involving all parties engaged in the sale and distribution of petroleum products in Anambra State. According to him, the meeting will provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on measures aimed at sanitizing the sector and improving operational efficiency.
He emphasized the state government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and business-friendly environment while ensuring compliance with regulations governing petroleum distribution.
He added that inland revenue will be incorporated to strengthen tax collection, saying ,”we must give to caeser what belongs to caeser.”
He further assured that the safety of filling stations would be safeguarded. Ministry of the Environment will participate to ensure that pollution will be checked and prevented
Prof. Ofoegbu emphasized that both state and federal agencies will collaborate closely to ensure the integrity of the downstream sector and others, adding that all parties from tank drivers to marketers operate within the confines of the law. A clear modality for future operations will be outlined to ensure transparency and trust
Speaking on behalf of the association, Mr. Onyeso welcomed the
government’s intervention and expressed optimism that the planned engagement would address existing concerns and foster a more harmonious relationship among stakeholders in the industry.
The proposed stakeholders’ meeting is expected to bring together petroleum marketers, regulatory agencies, industry operators, and government representatives to develop strategies for enhancing efficiency, accountability, and effective service delivery in the state’s downstream petroleum sector.
Nwanneka Ikechukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
