BY Busola Aro
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it is making efforts to halt a three-day warning strike by the Northern Independent Petroleum Marketers Forum (NIPMF).
In a statement on Tuesday, the NMDPRA said it held a meeting with the aggrieved members of the organisation on September 5 and September 6 2022.
On Monday, petrol marketers embarked on a three-day warning strike over unpaid N70 billion bridging claims.
The marketers said the non-payment of the bridging claims, also known as transportation claims, by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was adversely affecting the oil marketers.
The warning strike led to petrol scarcity in Abuja, causing queues by motorists at the few outlets that dispensed the commodity.
According to the statement, NMDPRA said it paid over N103 billion to marketers between December 2021 and August 2022, adding that it would resolve all pending bridging claims.
“The Authority would like to reiterate that payment of bridging claims is an ongoing process, and payments are disbursed as it is received from marketers,” the statement reads.
“It should be noted that the Authority has disbursed a total of N103,037,183,922.91 between December 2021 to August 2022. Following the extensive deliberations between the parties, the Authority further commits to fast-track the settlement of all outstanding claims when received from marketers after due verification and reconciliation.
“NIPMF has agreed to work with the NMDPRA to ensure the free flow of petroleum products nationwide.
“The NMDPRA affirms that it will continue to carry out its mandate as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which includes promoting and ensuring the continuous and efficient operations of the midstream and downstream sector in Nigeria.”
In May, IPMAN accused the NMDPRA of owing its members over N500 billion in bridging claims.
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