By Muhammad Mamman
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members nationwide to prioritize the purchase of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery, a move that could reshape fuel supply dynamics in Africa’s largest oil producer.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPMAN said the directive was aimed at supporting domestic refining, reducing reliance on fuel imports and stabilising supply across the country. The association, which represents thousands of independent fuel marketers, described the Dangote Refinery as a “strategic national asset” capable of transforming Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
“Buying locally refined products will help conserve foreign exchange, ensure product availability and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security,” IPMAN said, adding that members had been advised to adjust their supply chains accordingly.
The directive comes as the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery ramps up production following years of delays. The privately owned facility, located in Lagos, is expected to significantly cut Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol, diesel and aviation fuel once fully operational.
Beyond supporting the Dangote facility, IPMAN also revealed plans to explore the establishment of its own refineries. The association said feasibility studies were underway to assess the viability of modular and medium-scale refineries across different regions of the country.
Analysts say IPMAN’s move signals growing confidence in domestic refining and could increase competition in the downstream sector if the association’s refinery ambitions materialise.
Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, has long struggled with fuel shortages and import dependence despite its vast crude reserves. Successive governments have promoted local refining as a solution, with the Dangote Refinery seen as a cornerstone of that strategy.
If widely implemented, IPMAN’s directive could boost demand for locally refined fuel and mark a turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long reliance on imported petroleum products.
