The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted claims made by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) that its members are facing challenges loading refined products from the facility. In a statement issued on Thursday, Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, addressed statements made by IPMAN President Abubakar Garima during a recent television appearance.
Garima had expressed surprise at claims that marketers were boycotting the $20 billion refinery to purchase imported petrol, citing difficulties in loading petrol from Dangote Refinery despite reportedly paying ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In response, the Dangote Refinery clarified that it has not received any payments from IPMAN for the purchase of refined petroleum products. The company emphasized that while discussions with IPMAN are ongoing, it is misleading to assert that IPMAN members are experiencing loading difficulties, as there are currently no direct business dealings between the two parties.
The statement further noted that any payments made to NNPCL do not involve Dangote Refinery, which has neither approved nor authorized the release of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN. “We can meet Nigeria’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel,” the statement asserted, adding that the refinery can load up to 2,900 trucks per day and is also evacuating products by sea.
The Dangote Refinery urged IPMAN to register directly with the company and make payments for petroleum products, reinforcing its capability to meet the needs of the market. Additionally, the company called on stakeholders to avoid unfounded statements in the media, highlighting that such actions could undermine the economic efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” the statement concluded.
