In response to recent allegations from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) claiming its members have been unable to load fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the company has publicly clarified its stance.
This development follows statements made by IPMAN suggesting that, for four days, its members faced obstacles in accessing petrol supplies from the refinery, located in Lagos State.
On Wednesday, IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, said his members had gone to the Lekki-based refinery but could not lift petrol for almost four days.
“If the refinery truly has 500 million litres, then there should be no reason our members couldn’t load after four days. We’re willing to buy the product directly if the refinery is ready to sell to us, but for now, our members can’t access it even after paying.”
Addressing the issue, Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer for Dangote Refinery, released an official statement to outline the company’s position.
Chiejina emphasized that Dangote Refinery had not received any payments from IPMAN for purchasing refined petroleum products.
He stated that, while the refinery is in communication with IPMAN, no direct business transactions have taken place between them. As a result, Chiejina noted, it would be incorrect to assume that IPMAN members are facing difficulties due to Dangote Refinery’s actions or policies.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.
“Although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN Members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.
“The payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not us. In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
“We would like to emphasise that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. At present, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and we have also been evacuating petroleum products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payment as we have more than enough petroleum products to satisfy the needs of their members.
“Furthermore, we believe it is instructive for all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as that could undermine the economic re-engineering efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.
“In the interest of our country, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and heed the advice of President Tinubu, while promoting a unified approach, rather than engaging in media conflicts and needless propaganda.”
