|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-IPMAN Backs Dangote’s Free Distribution of Fuel to Marketers
–Says New Initiative Will Cut Costs, Ease Fuel Access Nationwide
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has thrown its weight behind the Dangote Refinery’s plan to distribute petrol and diesel free of charge to marketers across the country, saying the move will reduce transportation costs and bring fuel closer to Nigerian consumers.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, disclosed this on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme aired Friday, applauding Aliko Dangote for identifying a critical gap in the downstream sector and taking decisive action to close it.
“If you read Dangote’s statement carefully, you will understand he foresaw a lot of problems in the oil and gas industry and decided to tackle them,” Ukadike said.
“It is something we welcome with a lot of cheers because it will bring cheaper fuel to our doorpost.”
Ukadike noted that Dangote’s intervention would not only cut unnecessary transportation costs for marketers but also solve the longstanding challenge of poor product distribution, which has been worsened by Nigeria’s abandoned pipeline infrastructure.
“Our pipelines have been down for years. Products are no longer moved through them. We’re bearing the cost of trucking fuel from seashores and depots inland,” he explained.
“But with Dangote’s move, a heavy load has been lifted off independent marketers.”
On Sunday, the Dangote Refinery announced that it would commence the free distribution of fuel to marketers, dealers, and major users from August 15, 2025. As part of the logistics, the company has procured 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to facilitate nationwide delivery.
While the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) criticized the initiative, saying it would sideline depot owners and private truck operators who benefit from exclusive delivery deals, Ukadike disagreed, affirming that Dangote has the right to explore efficient and cost-saving alternatives.
“As a private refinery, Dangote has the right to find a better way to get his products to us. What matters is that the end result benefits the Nigerian people,” he said.
The move by the world’s largest single-train refinery is expected to disrupt traditional fuel distribution channels, reduce cost burdens on marketers, and potentially lower pump prices for Nigerian consumers in the months ahead.
