The Edo State Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources has held a strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on enhancing growth in the Petroleum Downstream Sector. The Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Hon. Andrew Momodu, highlighted the Sector’s realities and challenges to include persistent issues confronting marketers, particularly intimidation and harassment, and assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the concerns. While emphasizing professionalism, he urged operators to desist from illegal practices, assuring that all challenges would receive due attention. Hon. Momodu called on stakeholders to align with the vision of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s administration. He highlighted ongoing infrastructural developments across the State, specifically the flyover projects at Ramat Park and Sapele Road in Benin City, as clear evidence of the Government’s commitment to progress and economic growth. The Commissioner encouraged marketers to embrace emerging opportunities in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) subsectors. Noting the Edo State’s rich gas resources, he observed that many operators were yet to capitalize on the potentials due to limited awareness. He urged marketers to broaden their business outlooks and position themselves within the evolving energy landscape, assuring them of the Ministry’s support as needed. Addressing the longstanding crisis within IPMAN, the Commissioner stressed the need for unity and reconciliation, urging members to purge themselves of every animosity. He described the internal conflict as unnecessary and pledged to bring all parties together to chart a unified course for the Sector’s growth. He cited the State’s strategic location as a major advantage for petroleum distribution and business expansion. Acknowledging economic pressures on marketers, he noted that many filling stations have been abandoned due to high operational costs and low profit margins, but reassured stakeholders of the Government’s readiness to support their businesses through collaboration and potential partnerships. The Chairman of IPMAN, Hon. Michael Ogiamen, described the Commissioner’s appointment as a significant milestone and expressed confidence that his industry experience would lead to practical solutions. He revealed that the Association was preparing proposals to present to the Ministry for possible government support. The Chairman of PTD, Comrade Matthew Odiase, commended the appointment, noting it marks the first time a key industry player was leading the Ministry. He highlighted operational challenges, particularly difficulties in obtaining licenses from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and acknowledged the complexity of resolving the ongoing IPMAN crisis. The delegation further outlined critical challenges facing the industry to include the abandonment of the Benin Depot and a difficult business environment marked by high product costs, low profit margins, and unreliable electricity supply. They stated that such factors have forced some operators to shut down, or sell their stations. They emphasized the need for unity and expressed confidence in the Ministry’s willingness to support efforts aimed at addressing the challenges. In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Idonijie Mojisola Dupe, reiterated the importance of unity and cooperation among stakeholders, reinforcing points raised during the Ministry’s previous engagement with IPMAN in January, 2026. She urged marketers to comply with regulations by upholding best practices, and encouraged the adoption of CNG and LPG as part of the ongoing energy transition, particularly for transportation and domestic use. Mrs. Idonijie appreciated stakeholders for the engagement and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in promoting a more efficient, collaborative, and sustainable Oil and Gas Sector in Edo State. The engagement concluded on a positive note, with a shared commitment from the Ministry and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, resolve internal conflicts, and explore emerging opportunities for growth within the Petroleum Downstream Sector.
