|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Dangote’s Free Fuel Distribution Plan Gains Praise from IPMAN
–Marketers Say Initiative Will Cut Costs, Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has applauded the Dangote Refinery’s plan to distribute petrol and diesel free of charge to marketers nationwide, describing the move as a bold step that will reduce fuel prices and ease logistics challenges across the country.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, made this known on Friday during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme. He hailed Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, for addressing longstanding inefficiencies in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
“If you look at the Dangote statement, it is a strong policy statement,” Ukadike said.
“He foresaw a lot of problems in the oil and gas industry and decided to tackle them. We welcome this initiative with a lot of cheers because it is going to bring cheaper fuel to our doorpost.”
Ukadike explained that the initiative would spare independent marketers from incurring heavy transport and logistics costs, especially as Nigeria’s national pipeline network remains inactive.
“Our pipelines have gone for years. Nobody is talking about them anymore. We are suffering the brunt of bringing products from the seashores where DAPMAN members operate tank farms,” he stated.
The Dangote Refinery had on Sunday announced plans to commence free distribution of petrol and diesel to oil marketers, dealers, and large-scale users across the country. To support this plan, the refinery also revealed that it had acquired 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers for rollout on August 15, 2025.
Ukadike noted that with this development, a major burden had been lifted off independent marketers who often struggle with inadequate supply chains and poor transportation infrastructure.
However, not everyone welcomed the plan with open arms.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) expressed concern that the move could undermine depot owners, truck operators, and retailers who already have profitable direct-supply deals with multinationals and large firms.
PETROAN warned that the free fuel delivery system could disrupt the commercial flow and revenue streams of players in the retail and distribution space.
Despite these concerns, industry analysts say the Dangote Refinery’s initiative may redefine fuel distribution in Nigeria and usher in a new era of accessibility, affordability, and cleaner energy, especially with its use of CNG-powered vehicles.
