The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members nationwide to prioritise the purchase of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, citing competitive pricing and the need to strengthen domestic refining capacity.
In a statement, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, said the move would help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and support local production. He urged marketers to take advantage of the refinery’s pricing structure, describing it as the most affordable currently available to dealers.
Shettima also announced 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. He said the development is expected to improve supply efficiency, stabilise distribution and potentially lower pump prices nationwide.
IPMAN, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol retail market, warned that continued fuel imports distort the downstream market, drain foreign exchange, undermine local jobs and discourage investment in domestic refining. Shettima criticised what he described as the indiscriminate issuance of import licences, stressing that fuel importation should not coexist with viable local refining.
Beyond supporting Dangote Refinery, 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 introduce policies that would enable independent marketers to invest in and operate refineries.
Shettima commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent leadership changes at key regulatory agencies, saying they have created a more enabling environment for partnerships that benefit consumers. He added that the IPMAN–Dangote collaboration is aimed at improving fuel availability and affordability for Nigerians.
However, IPMAN also raised concerns over unresolved challenges in the sector, including more than N190 billion in outstanding bridging claims owed to its members.
Industry analysts say the strengthened partnership between IPMAN and Dangote Refinery could accelerate Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency in petroleum products, while improving fuel stability and pricing in the months ahead.