Kehinde Fajobi
After weeks of negotiations, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has finalised an agreement with Dangote Refinery, granting its members direct access to lift petrol, diesel, and kerosene from the facility.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, IPMAN National President Abubakar Maigandi Shettima expressed confidence in the deal’s potential to stabilise Nigeria’s fuel supply.
Importantly, Shettima urged IPMAN members to back the Dangote Refinery, emphasising that such support would “help boost Nigeria’s economy.”
According to Shettima, “Following our recent meeting with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, we are pleased to announce that the Dangote Refinery has agreed to allow IPMAN to directly lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) for onward supply to IPMAN depots and retail outlets.”
Furthermore, Shettima highlighted the benefits for Nigerian consumers, stating that the deal would “ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of PMS products across Nigeria at affordable rates.”
Therefore, he encouraged IPMAN members to prioritise the Dangote Refinery’s products, describing it as “the right course of action,” given its positive impact on foreign exchange and employment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
On another note, Shettima addressed the Federal Government’s initiative to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles.
In light of this push, he urged IPMAN members to prepare for a transition to CNG.
He stated, “CNG has the potential to rejuvenate our economy and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. IPMAN is fully committed to supporting this initiative.”
Shettima called for a partnership with the Federal Government, underscoring that “for CNG to succeed, there must be a credible partnership between IPMAN and the Petroleum CNG Initiative (PCNGI), without which Nigerians will not have easy access to CNG outlets.”