The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members nationwide to begin purchasing fuel directly from the Dangote Refinery, in a move aimed at boosting domestic supply and reducing reliance on imports.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, IPMAN leadership explained that the directive was part of a broader strategy to stabilize the downstream sector and ensure that Nigerians benefit from the country’s largest private refinery.
The association noted that the Dangote Refinery, which recently commenced operations, represents a turning point in Nigeria’s energy landscape. By sourcing fuel locally, IPMAN believes marketers can cut costs, improve efficiency, and reduce the pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
In addition to the directive, IPMAN revealed plans to venture into refinery ownership itself. According to officials, the association is exploring opportunities to establish smaller modular refineries across different regions of the country.
The move, they said, would complement the operations of the Dangote Refinery and further strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, which has long been hampered by the poor state of government-owned facilities.
IPMAN emphasized that refinery ownership by marketers would not only guarantee steady supply but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. They argued that private-sector involvement is critical to ending Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Industry analysts have welcomed the development, describing it as a bold step that could reshape the downstream sector. They noted that IPMAN’s involvement in refining would help bridge the gap between production and distribution, ensuring that fuel reaches consumers more efficiently.
The association also assured Nigerians that the directive to buy from Dangote Refinery would help stabilize pump prices, as local sourcing reduces exposure to global market volatility.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have urged transparency and accountability in the implementation of the plan. They stressed that effective monitoring will be necessary to ensure that the benefits of local refining are passed on to consumers.
As IPMAN pushes forward with its refinery ambitions, the directive to patronize Dangote Refinery marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain. For many, it signals the beginning of a new era where local refining takes center stage in meeting the nation’s energy needs.
