Anambra Gov’t Accuses Contractors of Bloated Claims, Assures IPMAN Of Imminent Payment
The Anambra government haa met with the leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over debt owed some marketers who supplied diesel for streetlight generating sets.
Mr TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs held the meeting with Mr Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community and his team in his office on Tuesday.
Recall that IPMAN had complained about non-payment of about N900 million owed contractors and marketers who supplied diesel to the Anambra government for powering streetlight generators.
Nwabunwanne who spoke after the meeting said the delay in payment was due to discrepancies and bloated bills which some of the contractors were claiming.
The Commissioner who described meeting with the marketers as productive said the Anambra government was willing and ready to pay the country as soon as the inconsistencies were clarified.
He promised to present their plights to the governor in the coming days for his consideration.
“We had a fruitful meeting, the marketers agreed that the blame is not entirely that of the government but that of the contractors among whom some are making bloated claims.
“But we have considered all that, we are making the necessary adjustments and very soon, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo will issue a directive,” he said.
On his part, Anyaso thanked the Commissioner for his prompt response to their plea.
Anyaso said IPMAN was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and was hopeful that Soludo would act swiftly as promised in the interest of marketers and contractors.
“I want to thank Gov. Soludo for the prompt response we got after complaining to him about the debt to our members and the effect on their businesses.
“The Commissioner explained the issues to us and we understand better, but more importantly, we look forward to the fulfillment of the promises made in the meeting,” he said.
