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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has thrown its weight behind domestic crude refining, declaring that the continuous importation of petrol is no longer an acceptable business model for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The move represents a significant shift from the association’s long-held position, which previously supported the importation of petroleum products to meet local demand.
Import Licences Distort Market, Drain Forex — IPMAN
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima, criticised what he described as the reckless issuance of petrol import licences, warning that the practice distorts market dynamics and puts unnecessary pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
“Continuous import is not an acceptable parallel business model,” Garima said. “Issuing import licences recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away.”
Dangote Refinery Partnership Welcomed
Garima’s comments followed recent disclosures by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), who revealed that the Dangote Refinery had invited IPMAN to participate in its distribution network.
The refinery had earlier announced plans to commence a free petrol delivery scheme. However, on December 15, Dangote confirmed that the initiative was temporarily stalled due to missing regulatory seals.
Speaking on a programme, Garima disclosed that the free delivery of petrol from the Dangote Refinery is now expected to begin in January 2026.
He expressed optimism over a new agreement under which the refinery will supply petroleum products directly to IPMAN’s registered members nationwide.
No PMS Scarcity Expected — IPMAN
Highlighting IPMAN’s role in Nigeria’s fuel distribution network, Garima said the association controls more than 80 percent of the PMS retail market, assuring Nigerians of uninterrupted fuel supply.
“The association has the highest percentage of the supply chain in the PMS downstream sector,” he said. “We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.”
He added that direct supply and free nationwide delivery from the Dangote Refinery would further drive down pump prices at IPMAN filling stations.
“This will certainly lead to a further decrease in the pump price of PMS at our filling stations,” Garima said. “I call on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery, as it currently offers the most affordable prices for marketers.”
Support for Federal Government Policies
The IPMAN president also expressed confidence in the oil and gas policies being implemented by the federal government, noting that recent reforms have contributed to consistent reductions in petrol pump prices.
He praised Dangote’s support for government efforts and reiterated IPMAN’s long-standing advocacy for stronger collaboration across all levels of governance within the oil and gas sector.
“Our repeated persuasion has always been to partner with the Dangote Refinery to ensure steady availability of PMS products,” Garima said. “The focus of the Dangote–IPMAN partnership has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians.”
Call to New Regulators on Bridging Claims
Garima congratulated the newly appointed leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
He urged them to urgently address the ₦190 billion bridging claims owed to IPMAN members.
“The new leadership of the NMDPRA must make this debt a matter of serious concern as it assumes office,” he said.
Commitment to Domestic Refining
Reaffirming IPMAN’s position, Garima said the association remains fully committed to deepening domestic refining as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
“Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products,” he said.
