Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has brokered a resolution to a leadership dispute within the Edo State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), ending weeks of internal tensions that had threatened downstream operations and local supply stability. The state government convened stakeholders from IPMAN, representatives of the major depot operators, and community leaders for a mediated session that concluded with an agreed-upon roadmap to restore unity and strengthen local industry governance.
According to an official communique from the Governor’s office, the reconciliation meeting produced a consensus on interim leadership arrangements, an agreed timeline for a fresh elective congress, and the establishment of a joint oversight committee to monitor IPMAN activities and ensure transparent operations. The committee will include representatives from the state ministry of commerce, consumer protection agencies, and civil society observers to avoid any future recurrence of factionalism that undermines business continuity.
IPMAN members who spoke after the meeting expressed relief that the crisis has been averted and pledged to cooperate with state authorities to stabilise the market. Depot operators said the intervention was timely, noting that the leadership tussle had sapped investor confidence and impeded normal commercial planning. The state administration called for patience as the committee finalises arrangements and promised that the government would support regulatory compliance, responsible business practices, and measures to protect consumers from artificial shortages or price volatility.
Industry watchers welcomed the compromise but urged sustained engagement by the state to institutionalise governance reforms within IPMAN and to encourage professionalisation across the downstream sector. They recommended that Edo State use the resolution as a basis for broader sectoral improvements — including capacity building for marketers, stricter licensing-compliance checks, and robust dispute-resolution mechanisms — to promote a stable investment climate and protect consumers.
