The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Muslim faithful to pray for  unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians during the Eid-el-fitr celebration.

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IPMAN’s President, Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Federal Government had declared May 25 and 26 as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-fitr celebration.

Okoronkwo said the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan include fervent prayers, piety, goodwill and sacrifice which were all critical for nation building and national development.

He said: “On behalf of the National Executive of IPMAN and its Board of Trustees, I want to felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they mark Eid-el-fitr.

“I urge them to continue to pray for the unity and peaceful coexistence of our beloved nation during this critical moment.

“We are all aware of the challenges posed to our economy by the COVID-19 pandemic and crash in global crude oil prices and we believe that with prayers and sacrifices, Nigeria will surmount these challenges.”

Okoronkwo said IPMAN, on its part would continue to support the government’s policies and regulations aimed at bringing sanity to the petroleum sector and improving the nation’s economy.