Anambra moves to sanitise downstream petroleum operations, outlaws revenue agents
The Anambra State Government has stopped the activities of consultants acting as agents in the collection of levies or enforcement of regulations on operations of petroleum products marketers in the state.
The Anambra State Government has stopped the activities of consultants acting as agents in the collection of levies or enforcement of regulations on operations of petroleum products marketers in the state.
Charles Ofoegbu, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, disclosed this after a meeting of stakeholders in the sector in Awka on Friday.
Ofoegbu said the meeting followed a petition by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over allegations of multiple levies and harassments by agents.
He said the directive was in furtherance to the commitment of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration efforts towards ensuring a conducive environment for legitimate businesses in the state.
He called on the marketers to ensure they paid their legitimate taxes and levies straight to government coffers, warning that defaulters would meet strict sanctions.
“We had an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in the sector including IPMAN, NUPENG, Tanker Drivers, PENGASON, Regulators and government officials.
“We had fruitful conclusions which included that they must pay all legitimate taxes to the government and they agreed and offered to join the ministry and inland revenue services to ensure these levies are collected and paid into government account.
“I assured them that under my watch, there will be no agents or consultants and if there is need for any, they will be party to the decision making; this will help us understand ourselves,” he said.
Ofoegbu said there would be sub-sectoral discussions with the various unions in the industry to work out plans to address some of their plights including the construction of a trailer park.
He said the State Government would work robustly and harmoniously with relevant federal agencies to ensure Anambra residents are safe and enjoy value for their money.
Ofoegbu said safety and environmental standards would be strictly enforced in the area of fire safety, siting of outlets and standard metering.
“We have a duty to our people, we must protect customers and businesses, we will work with the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Weight and Measures to evolve a healthy system,” he said.
