Governor Charles Soludo’s government on Tuesday met with the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over debt claims by some marketers who supplied diesel for generators to power streetlights in Anambra.

Information commissioner TonyCollins Nwabunwanne led the Anambra government team, while Chinedu Anyaso, IPMAN chair in the Enugu depot community, led the marketers in the company of his executive members and some contractors.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Nwabunwanne said the delay in payment was due to discrepancies and bloated bills some contractors submitted.

The commissioner, who described the meeting with the marketers as productive, said the 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 Mr Soludo in the coming days for his consideration.

“We had a fruitful meeting. The marketers agreed that the blame is not entirely on the government but that of the contractors, some of whom have made bloated claims,” stated Mr Nwabunwanne. “But we have considered all that. We are making the necessary adjustments, and very soon, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, will issue a directive.”

Mr Anyaso thanked the commissioner for his prompt response to their plea.

Mr Anyaso said IPMAN was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and was hopeful that the Anambra governor would act promptly as promised in the interest of marketers and contractors.

“I want to thank Governor Soludo for the prompt response we got after complaining to him about the debt to our members and the effect on their businesses,” the IPMAN leader stated. “The commissioner explained the issues to us, and we understand better, but more importantly, we look forward to the fulfilment of the promises made in the meeting.”

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.

(NAN)