The Anambra government on Tuesday met with leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over debt claims by some marketers who supplied diesel for streetlight generating sets.
Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, led the government team while Mr Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, led the marketers in company of his executive members and some of the contractors.
Speaking to newsmen, Nwabunwanne said the delay in payment was due to discrepancies and bloated bills which some of the contractors submitted.
The Commissioner, who described meeting with the marketers as productive, said Anambra government was willing and ready to pay the contractors as soon as the inconsistencies in claims are cleared.
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 on government but that of the contractors, some of whom have made 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.
IPMAN had complained about the non payment of about N900 million owed contractors and marketers who supplied diesel to the Anambra government for powering streetlight generators.
