IPMAN Threatens to Cease Operations in Anambra Over Heavy Taxation, Arrest of Members

The Enugu depot of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) has issued a threat to cease operations in Anambra State within the next two weeks over the alleged arrest of its members. The association accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration of imposing excessive taxes and cracking down on their businesses.

Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, the Chairman of IPMAN delivered the warning on Friday following his re-election for a second three-year term. He pledged to continue working diligently to alleviate the challenges faced by members in their business endeavors. Anyaso highlighted the prevalent issues in Anambra State, where despite agreements with the government, officials from ASWAMA, signage departments, and the Ocha Brigade persist in demanding money, arresting, and detaining IPMAN members and their employees.

Efforts to address these concerns with the Anambra State Government have been fruitless, according to Anyaso. He expressed regret over members being taken to court and either jailed or fined for resisting unlawful and excessive taxation.

Anyaso emphasised the hardships faced by IPMAN members since the removal of fuel subsidies, as they struggled to maintain their businesses amid a challenging economic environment. He criticised the Anambra State government for intensifying its revenue drive at the expense of individual members and their enterprises.

In his words:

“Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, members of IPMAN have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country.

Even as they are struggling to keep business afloat and retain their workers, the Anambra State government in its quest to surge-up its internal revenue has come so hard on individual members and their business outfits in the area.

The latest development also undermined agreements with various state governments that IPMAN will be paying a collective tax to ensure all members pay and check issues of multiple taxation.”

Furthermore, Anyaso commended the cooperation and support of the governments of Ebonyi and Enugu States, as well as certain administrations in Imo, Abia, Kogi, and Cross River States, where IPMAN operates. He acknowledged the key roles played by IPMAN members in the association’s achievements over the past three years and viewed his re-election as a mandate for greater responsibility.

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