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The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has instructed its members to refrain from shutting down their operations over the non-payment of the N100bn bridging claims.
On Monday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to pay the bridging claims owed marketers amounting to N100bn or face an industrial action.
Like the equalisation fund, bridging claims represent the cost of transporting fuel from the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company depots to approved zones to ensure a uniform price across the country.
However, PETROAN told its members that instead of halting operations, the association is advocating for dialogue to resolve the outstanding bridging claims issue with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
A statement by PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele, said on Tuesday that the directive followed an emergency national executive meeting held on Tuesday.
“While acknowledging the frustration and concerns of its members regarding the unpaid bridging claims totalling N100bn, PETROAN firmly believes that a shutdown would have devastating consequences, including fuel scarcity, economic disruption, and hardship for the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Obele maintained that as resolved in the last stakeholders meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, PETROAN reaffirms its commitment to dialogue rather than an industrial action.
“The association urges all parties to engage in constructive engagement and good-faith negotiations to resolve the issue.
“Through dialogue, we believe that all parties can identify mutually beneficial solutions; build trust and strengthen relationships; avoid costly and damaging shutdowns; ensure the continued stability and growth of the downstream petroleum sector,” the spokesman said.
PETROAN also commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reform the petroleum sector, saying he is promoting transparency, accountability, and economic growth.
“The association encourages all stakeholders to support and encourage these reforms, rather than sabotaging them.
“Furthermore, we encourage the authorities responsible to facilitate the prompt payment of outstanding bridging claims to our members. This will help to alleviate the financial burden on our members and ensure the continued smooth operation of the downstream petroleum sector.
“Under the leadership of our National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN remains committed to promoting the stability and growth of the downstream petroleum sector through dialogue, cooperation, and innovative solutions. We urge our members to remain calm and law-abiding while we engage with NMDPRA and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the issue,” Obele concluded.
