Members of the House of Representatives have called on Federal Government to expedite action in the payment of N650 billion owed oil marketers.
The resolution was passed sequel to the passage of a motion under matter of urgent public importance, sponsored by Bolaji Ayinla.
Ayinla who expressed concern over the threat issued by Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to shut down their depots on the 22nd February, 2018.
According to him, the Association had threatened to embark on massive sack of their workers across the country, hence called for the intervention of the Lower Chamber without further delay with the view to avert the looming crisis which may cripple the country’s economy.
“If the Association is allowed to fulfil its threat, it would have a multiplier effect on the nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) uses the private depots owned by members of the association to stock most of its imported products for a free due to shortage facilities in the country.
“Sometime in 2017, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun to pay oil marketers their outstanding subsidy claims estimated at about $2 billion after verification but the debt is still outstanding,” he noted.
While stressing the need to address the lingering crisis, Ayinla observed that DAPPMAN members have agitated over the huge indebtedness to banks who have also threatened to take over their petrol stations and tank farms of their debts are not settled.
“They are also indebted to tank owners and drivers for freight services.
“The House is convicted that there is a need by the Federal Government to respond positively to the demand of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria in order to prevent untold hardship for the generality of Nigerians,” he urged.
To this end, the House urged Federal Government to respond positively to the demands of DAPPMAN and avert the proposed shut down of their members’ depots nationwide and the massive sack of their workers.
The House also mandates its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolution.
