Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has hailed the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery over its plan to commence free distribution of petrol and diesel to independent marketers and large-scale consumers across the country, beginning August 15, 2025.
Describing the development as “bold, strategic and transformative,” IPMAN in Rivers State said the initiative, accompanied by the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered tankers, would significantly ease the challenges facing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Comrade Tekena Ikpaki, Chairman of IPMAN Rivers State Chapter, in an official statement issued Tuesday, hailed Dangote for the initiative.
“This is a timely intervention that could not have come at a better time. It addresses a multitude of issues plaguing our members, especially supply inconsistency, high transportation costs, infrastructural bottlenecks, and unstable market prices.”
Dangote Refinery, which holds a dominant position in Nigeria’s refining and distribution space, announced it would distribute fuel free-of-charge to marketers and other large consumers, in what the company described as a corporate intervention aimed at stabilizing the downstream sector.
Reacting to the move, Ikpaki emphasized that independent marketers, who account for the majority of fuel distribution in the country, stand to benefit significantly.
“With the planned deployment of 4,000 brand-new CNG-powered tankers, Dangote is not just addressing supply but also investing in a cleaner, more sustainable logistics model. This aligns with global climate goals while resolving domestic distribution gaps.”
IPMAN stressed that the emergence of Dangote as a credible alternative to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, offers marketers a “multi-source supply model” that will drive competition and improve pricing mechanisms in the retail market.
“The era of single-source dependence is no longer viable. Multiple supply routes mean better pricing, improved logistics, and more reliability for consumers at the pump,” he added.
Ikpaki, however, called for inclusive implementation and regulatory oversight to ensure that independent marketers from all regions benefit equitably from the initiative.
“While the offer of free product distribution appears generous, we encourage government regulators to ensure the program is implemented transparently and without favoritism. Independent marketers across Nigeria must benefit without discrimination.”
He further reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting investments aimed at improving Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, including infrastructure upgrades and market efficiency. But he warned against any monopolistic tendencies by dominant players.
“We welcome industry giants like Dangote and NNPCL playing critical roles, but we must ensure no single entity overwhelms the market to the detriment of smaller operators. A level playing field is non-negotiable.”
IPMAN also linked the Dangote initiative to NNPCL’s ongoing Crude-for-Naira program, describing both as complementary efforts aimed at improving fuel availability, supporting the naira, and stabilizing the energy sector.
“These are the types of public-private partnerships Nigeria needs, strategic actions with long-term benefits. They restore confidence and offer renewed hope for a more affordable, efficient, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria.”
He concluded by reaffirming the association’s readiness to collaborate with all key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure successful execution of the fuel distribution program.
“Let us all work together to build a more resilient and prosperous petroleum sector that truly serves the Nigerian people,” he said.
