Marketers Seek Regulatory Backing as Association Pushes for End to Fuel Imports
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced plans to venture into refinery ownership, subject to regulatory approval, as part of efforts to deepen domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The association has also directed its members nationwide to prioritise the purchase of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the move as vital to strengthening local refining, stabilising fuel supply and supporting reforms in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
IPMAN Backs Dangote Refinery, Seeks Policy Shift
The IPMAN National President, Abubakar Shettima, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja, where he addressed recent developments in the oil and gas sector, including the change in leadership at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Shettima revealed that IPMAN is strengthening its partnership with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to improve petrol availability across the country.
He said future regulatory policies must focus on promoting domestic refining, discouraging fuel imports and creating an enabling framework that allows independent marketers to invest in and operate refineries within Nigeria.
“Nigeria Must Stop Importing What It Can Refine”
According to Shettima, Nigeria should no longer import petroleum products that can be produced locally, stressing that independent marketers must be empowered to refine fuel domestically rather than rely on imports.
“Let the new leadership put Nigeria first in every decision. Nigerians should not be importing products we have in this country. Open policies that will allow independent marketers to own refineries and refine locally instead of importing,” he said.
He added that reducing fuel imports would attract foreign investment into the downstream sector, boost value creation and strengthen the economy.
“If importation reduces, marketers operating around refineries will attract foreign investors to come into the country and invest,” Shettima stated.
Dangote to Supply PMS Directly to IPMAN Members from 2026
The IPMAN president also announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin direct PMS supply to registered IPMAN members from January 2026, including free delivery to filling stations nationwide.
He said the arrangement would further drive down pump prices and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across the country.
Shettima disclosed that IPMAN controls over 80 percent of Nigeria’s PMS retail market, assuring Nigerians that there would be no fuel scarcity.
“We are excited about the agreement for Dangote Refinery to supply PMS directly to IPMAN members with free delivery nationwide. This will certainly lead to a further reduction in pump prices,” he said.
He therefore urged all IPMAN members to prioritise patronage of the Dangote refinery, describing it as the most affordable source of PMS currently available.
IPMAN Applauds Tinubu, Urges Action on ₦190bn Bridging Claims
Shettima commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restructuring the leadership of the NMDPRA and NUPRC, describing the move as crucial to restoring confidence in the oil and gas sector.
He said the growing partnership between IPMAN and the Dangote refinery reflects the President’s pragmatic leadership and sound judgment.
However, he warned that continued fuel importation alongside local refining distorts the market, drains foreign exchange, destroys jobs and discourages investment.
“Continuous import is not an acceptable parallel business model. Issuing import licences recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, entrenches poverty, destroys jobs and scares investors away,” he said.
The IPMAN president also called on the new leadership of the NMDPRA to urgently address outstanding bridging claims owed to IPMAN members, estimated at over ₦190 billion.
Background
Nigeria has historically relied on imported petroleum products following the collapse of its state-owned refineries, placing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and exposing the economy to global oil price volatility.
The commencement of operations at the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reshaped the downstream sector, intensifying debates around fuel importation, pricing and regulatory oversight.
Recent tensions between the refinery and regulators over import licences and market structure eventually led to leadership changes at both the NMDPRA and NUPRC.
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