The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a major agreement with the Dangote Refinery to lift petroleum products directly.
This development was revealed by IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima, following a National Working Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday.
Garima highlighted that the collaboration with Dangote Refinery will bring a steady and affordable supply of fuel products nationwide.
The agreement marks a breakthrough for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, promising improved efficiency and lower fuel prices.
In his statement, Garima expressed optimism about the positive impact of the deal on IPMAN members and on Nigeria’s economy as a whole.
“After meeting with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his team in Lagos, we are pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to supply IPMAN with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) directly to our depots and retail outlets,” Garima stated.
He encouraged IPMAN members to support this partnership, describing it as a key move toward economic independence and job creation.
Garima noted that sourcing products from Dangote Refinery and other Nigerian refineries would reduce dependency on foreign imports and enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
He also pointed out that this partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope” agenda, aimed at stabilizing and growing Nigeria’s economy.
“We believe this collaboration will help us achieve the President’s vision of a prosperous Nigeria,” Garima added.
The new arrangement also addresses concerns about fluctuating fuel prices, which have troubled many Nigerians in recent months.
Garima assured IPMAN members that ongoing discussions with Dangote would likely lead to more affordable fuel prices, benefiting both the marketers and consumers.
Additionally, Garima spoke about IPMAN’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s push for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel option.
He said IPMAN is preparing to set up CNG refill stations nationwide, which would provide a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative for Nigerian motorists.
“CNG has immense potential to boost Nigeria’s economy, and IPMAN is committed to backing this initiative with full support,” Garima noted.
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is Africa’s largest refinery and has already commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel.
The refinery plans to supply petroleum products to over 30,000 IPMAN members and 150,000 retail outlets across the country, marking a significant leap in Nigeria’s domestic fuel production capabilities.
This partnership is expected to eliminate the need for middlemen in fuel distribution, which often inflates costs and contributes to fuel scarcity.
Earlier, however, IPMAN had expressed frustration over difficulties its members were facing in accessing products from the Dangote Refinery.
Reports indicated that IPMAN members had previously paid ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for fuel, yet could not load products directly from Dangote Refinery.
In response, Dangote Refinery issued a statement refuting IPMAN’s claim, stating that it has not received any payments from IPMAN for refined products.
The refinery clarified that it currently has no direct business dealings with IPMAN and has not authorized the release of products to IPMAN through any third party.
“It is misleading to suggest that IPMAN members are facing loading difficulties at our refinery, as we currently have no direct agreements with them,” Dangote Refinery’s statement read.
The company advised IPMAN to complete registration with the refinery and make direct payments to avoid further misunderstandings.
Dangote Refinery emphasized that it can meet Nigeria’s demand for petroleum products and is ready to work with IPMAN directly to ensure seamless distribution.