We Have No Direct Dealing With You Yet – Dangote Replies IPMAN On Lifting Petrol

Dangote Refinery has described the claim by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) that its members are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from its facility as misleading.

The refinery, in a statement on Thursday, clarified that there is no direct dealing with IPMAN, neither has it accepted any money from it for petroleum purchases.

Naija News recalls IPMAN President, Abubakar Garima, had claimed during a TV interview that despite having paid ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), members of the association are facing significant difficulties in loading petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

However, Dangote in a statement on Thursday by its Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, countered the IPMAN boss, explaining that the petroleum marketers are yet to register or start dealing directly with the refinery.

The Dangote spokesperson emphasized that the refinery can load 2,900 trucks per day, and can also evacuate petroleum products by sea, urged IPMAN to follow the due process as there is fuel in abundance.

The refinery added that currently, it is only in discussion with IPMAN and cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities, as the payment mentioned has been made through NNPCL, and not Dangote Refinery.

“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,” the statement read in part.

Below is the full statement.