Yemisi Izuora
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria(MOMAN) has put in abeyance the 14-day ultimatum given to the Federal to disrupt fuel supply and distribution following their N650billion unpaid subsidy.
The development was sequel to the reassurance the Federal government gave at a meeting the marketers held in Abuja on Monday with the officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC), Ministry of Labour and the Presidency.
DAPPMAN’s Chairman,Prince Dapo Abiodun,and Executive Secretary,Olufemi Adewole,who gave the indication in a press release said the government’s commitment to pay the N650billion subsidy was evidenced by the request for approval for appropriation of same to the National Assembly.
The marketers expressed hope that this approval will be given promptly and the lingering overdue payments made subsequently.
The marketers added:‘’Consequently, DAPPMAN/MOMAN hereby suspend the issued 14 days ultimatum and use this medium to plead with all our staff under the various umbrella Unions: NARTO, PENGASSAN, NUPENG/PTD to please bear with us whilst this approval for appropriation by the NASS is being deliberated on and processed, which we believe will not exceed two (2) weeks in view of the adverse implications of any delays.
‘’All marketers are to ensure there is no disruption in the supply and distribution of PMS nationwide’’
The marketers had penultimate week issued the ultimatum through a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,Dr.Ibe Kachikwu,where they lamented that the unpaid subsidy has worsened their plight as they could no longer import fuel into the country as a result of the development.
They threatened to sack the workers in their employ as it was evidenced that they are insolvent and could no longer meet their financial obligations to run their business due to the accumulated debt owed them by the Federal government.
They also threatened to tamper with supply of fuel to nooks and cranny of Nigeria if the government refused to accede to their request .