The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to protect businesses in Anambra from the alleged illegal activities of agents of his government.

IPMAN made the call on Wednesday during the annual general meeting of marketers in Anambra held in Awka.

Chinedu Anyaso, the chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community, comprising Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, commended Mr Soludo for approving harmonised annual levies and taxes payable by the marketers.

Mr Anyaso said that, although the amount was higher than what obtained in other states in the zone, the government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, was still harassing the marketers.

He said the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, under the administration, harmonised the levies and taxes, which they were complying with, but alleged that more illegal levies were being introduced by government agents.

“We discussed issues around our operations in Anambra and our relationship with the State Government as well as the ministries, departments and agencies.

“We agreed on N145,000 per year for every outlet, which covers property tax, Business Premises, Local Government Council and Signage, but we are getting illegal demand notices from agents under this government.

“This is higher in other states under us.

“In Enugu, those in rural areas are paying between N70,000 and N80,000, while those in the city centres pay N120,000, but here, it is flat for every outlet, yet they keep harassing our people.

“Local government authority does not have business with filling stations, but here in Anambra, our members are being dragged to court everyday because a lot of revenue windows have been given to consultants who know nothing about the petroleum sector.

“The ministry is introducing more charges, including renewal of Petroleum tax, apart from what we pay to the Federal Government, even though our operations fall under the exclusive list,” Mr Anyaso said.

Also speaking, the South-East zonal vice president, Ikechukwu Nwankwo, said that “Anambra is becoming a problem state for the union as most of the challenges come from the state”.

Mr Nwankwo said the business was becoming harsh and less profitable and appealed to the state government to support marketers.

“We cannot continue to suffer this way, petroleum products business is no longer how it used to be.

“We used to lament when we were buying products for as much as N10 million but now, we hardly buy with N50 million with far lesser margin.

“We are all private businesses, we do not want to do this but they are trying to push us.

“We may have to shut down operations for a while to get the attention of Mr Governor,” Mr Nwankwo said.

The chairman, Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria in Anambra, Izukanne Chibuike, regretted the alleged incessant harassment of members “by unknown agents”.

Mr Chibuike thanked Mr Soludo for approving the harmonised levy and promised that his members would continue to support and cooperate with his administration through compliance with all the approved taxes and policies of government.

(NAN)