The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has finally secured an agreement with Dangote Refinery to lift products directly.
IPMAN National President, Abubakar Garima, disclosed this development in Abuja on Monday following a meeting of the National Working Committee of the Association.
This is coming months after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) halted its plan to sole off-taker of petroleum products from the 650,000 bpd refinery.
Garima stated that the collaboration would ensure a steady and affordable supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) products across the country.
He said After meeting with Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, “we’re pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to supply IPMAN with PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for distribution to our depots and retail outlets.”
Garima urged IPMAN members to support Dangote Refinery, citing backward integration benefits and positive impacts on Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange market.
“After meeting with Alh. Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, we’re pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to supply IPMAN with PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for distribution to our depots and retail outlets,” Garima said.
He emphasized the importance of supporting the Dangote Refinery, highlighting its backward integration benefits and potential positive impacts on Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange market.
Garima urged IPMAN members to rely on the Dangote Refinery and Nigerian refineries for white products.
“IPMAN members should rely on Dangote Refinery and Nigerian Refineries for white products, creating more job opportunities and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda,” he said.
Regarding pricing, Garima expressed optimism that discussions with Dangote Refinery would result in more competitive rates for petroleum products.
He, however, did not mention any price the marketers have in mind to purchase the product from Dangote.
On Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Garima highlighted IPMAN’s preparations to establish CNG refill stations nationwide.
The IPMAN President also assured members that the Association would work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the availability of the necessary infrastructure and incentives to make CNG adoption seamless.
He urged marketers to embrace this opportunity as it promises long-term benefits for the industry and the nation’s economy.
“CNG has immense potential to boost Nigeria’s economy. IPMAN is committed to supporting this initiative and partnering with the Federal Government for its success,” he stated.
Earlier, IPMAN had expressed frustration at how difficult marketers were finding it to lift products from the Dangote Refinery.
IPMAN lamented that its members can’t load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos despite having paid ₦40bn to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
However, Dangote Refinery refuted the claim by IPMAN, clarifying that it has not received any payments from IPMAN to purchase refined petroleum products.
It stated that although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, “it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN Members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them.”
Consequently, the company said it cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities, as the payment in mention has been made through NNPCL, and not Dangote Refinery.
It added that in the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised the company to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
While emphasizing that it can meet Nigeria’s demand for all petroleum products, Dangote Refinery advised IPMAN to register directly with the company and make payments for petroleum products.
