Nigerian petroleum marketers, IPMAN threatens strike in South-east over heavy taxes, arrest of members
The association charged that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo overtaxed its members and imposed restrictions on their operations.
Due to suspected member arrests, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), Enugu Depot, has threatened to cease operations in Anambra State.
The association charged that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo overtaxed its members and imposed restrictions on their operations.
The warning was issued by IPMAN Chairman Mr. Chinedu Anyaso on Friday, not long after he was re-elected to lead the organization’s affairs for a further three-year term. Anyaso pledged to keep up his hard work to lessen the challenges that IPMAN members have in operating their businesses.
He claimed that even after the Association and the state government reached a deal, ASWAMA, signage officials, and Ocha Brigade officials continued to show up in Anambra State to demand money, make arrests, and hold IPMAN members and their employees.
He claims that all attempts to bring the matter to the notice of the Anambra State Government have failed and produced no results.
He expressed sorrow that some IPMAN members who own enterprises in Anambra State were prosecuted, imprisoned, or faced fines as a result of their unwillingness to submit to unlawful and excessive taxation.
He declared, “Members of IPMAN have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country since the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
“In its attempt to increase internal revenue, the Anambra State Government has placed a great deal of strain on local business owners and their employees, even as they struggle to maintain a profit and retain staff.”
“The agreement with various state governments that IPMAN will pay a collective tax to ensure all members pay and check issues of multiple taxation is further undermined by this latest development.”
Nonetheless, the head of IPMAN praised the state governments of Ebonyi, Enugu, and some areas of Imo, Abia, Kogi, and Cross River States for their cooperation and support of its members and their operations.
Noting that his re-election is a call for greater responsibility, he acknowledged that IPMAN members have been a wonderful pillar of support over the last three years in office, making it possible for the association to achieve some milestones.
