The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a nationwide directive for its members to prioritize purchasing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Could this move mark a turning point in Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported fuel?

IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, emphasized that local sourcing is now the most cost-effective option for marketers. “Dangote Refinery offers the best affordable price for all marketers today,” he said, urging members to put domestic refining at the center of their operations.

Starting January 2026, Dangote Refinery plans to deliver PMS directly to registered IPMAN members, including free delivery to filling stations nationwide. Will this improve fuel availability and reduce pump prices across Nigeria?

IPMAN, which controls more than 80% of Nigeria’s petrol retail market, argues that continued fuel imports hurt the economy by draining foreign exchange, eliminating local jobs, and deterring investment. Shettima criticized the “reckless” issuance of import licenses, calling for a stronger focus on domestic production.

Beyond immediate fuel supplies, IPMAN has ambitions to establish its own refinery operations. Shettima urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to create policies enabling independent marketers to invest in and operate refineries. Could this pave the way for a new era of Nigerian-owned fuel production?

The association also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for regulatory leadership changes that support stronger partnerships like that with Dangote Refinery, while noting unresolved issues such as over N190 billion in bridging claims owed to members.

With IPMAN’s shift toward domestic supply and potential refinery ventures, will Nigerians finally experience more stable fuel availability and lower prices? The coming months could provide the answer.