The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said the non-functional state of the Port Harcourt Refinery has pushed many marketers out of business.

The body said this during the Port Harcourt Depot Unit‘s 2023 Annual General Meeting/Election held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, where Tekena Ikpaki, was elected as Chairman.

Speaking to newsmen, Ikpaki charged the Federal Government to quickly complete the ongoing repairs at the refinery.

While noting that his administration will ensure better leadership of the body, he advised that the facility should be completed and put into use, pointing out that the delay was affecting businesses in the area.

Ikpaki stated, “We will bring in new ideas into the leadership of the body. We were elected to manage the activities of IPMAN. We want to make a difference.

“It is our sole duty to make sure that everybody is satisfied, even if man’s desires are insatiable. We will try our best to ensure that products that will come from the refinery when it is complete gets to our members and then it gets to our communities.