In a major move to reshape Nigeria’s fuel supply landscape, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to prioritise purchasing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The association simultaneously announced an ambitious vision to establish refineries owned by marketers themselves, aiming to cement domestic production and phase out imports.
National President Abubakar Maigandi Shettima issued the directive during a press conference in Abuja on 18 December 2025. The call comes amid recent leadership changes at key regulatory bodies, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Shettima urged the new NMDPRA chief to implement policies enabling marketers to build their own refineries, stating, “Let [the new NMDPRA chief] open a policy whereby marketers like independent petroleum marketers can have our refinery and refine in the country rather than going outside to import.” He emphasized that such policies must prioritise Nigeria’s national interests.
The directive carries significant weight as IPMAN’s membership controls over 80 per cent of the nation’s retail fuel market. The association has secured an agreement for the Dangote Refinery to supply PMS directly to its registered members starting in January 2026, a deal that includes free nationwide delivery. Shettima expressed confidence that this direct sourcing “will certainly lead to a further decrease in the pump price,” and assured the public of no fuel scarcity during the upcoming festive season.
IPMAN commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent regulatory reshuffle, crediting the new leadership with fostering stronger partnerships between the private sector and government agencies. Shettima warned that the continued importation of refined petrol is economically detrimental, draining foreign exchange and discouraging critical domestic investment. He also used the platform to urge the settlement of over N190 billion in outstanding bridging claims owed to marketers, a longstanding issue affecting their operations.
