The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members nationwide to prioritise the purchase of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, citing competitive pricing and the need to strengthen domestic refining capacity.
IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, announced the directive in a statement, stressing that patronising the Dangote Refinery would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
“I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable price for all marketers today,” Shettima said.
He disclosed that from January 2026, the Dangote Refinery will commence direct PMS supply to registered IPMAN members, including free delivery to filling stations across the country. The move, he said, would enhance supply efficiency, stabilise distribution, and potentially lower pump prices for consumers.
IPMAN, which controls more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol retail outlets, criticised the continued importation of fuel, warning that it distorts the market, drains foreign exchange, destroys local jobs, and discourages investment in local refining.
Shettima described the issuance of import licences as “reckless” and urged regulators to prioritise locally refined products. “Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model,” he stated.
Beyond supporting local refining, IPMAN revealed plans to venture into refinery ownership. The association called on the new leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to create policies that would allow independent marketers to invest in and operate refineries.
IPMAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent leadership changes at regulatory agencies, saying the reforms have created room for stronger partnerships within the downstream sector.
“The focus of the Dangote and IPMAN partnership has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians,” Shettima said.
However, the association raised concerns over unresolved issues affecting its members, including over N190 billion in outstanding bridging claims yet to be paid.
Industry analysts say the strengthened collaboration between IPMAN and the Dangote Refinery could improve fuel availability and pricing stability, as Nigeria continues efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products after years of heavy reliance on imports.
