The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has stated that it is misleading to claim that members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from its refinery.
The company’s statement, issued by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina on Thursday, was in response to a claim by IPMAN on Wednesday that its members have been unable to load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos despite having paid ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
IPMAN President Abubakar Garima expressed amazement on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily show when Aliko Dangote, owner of the $20 billion refinery, stated that traders were bypassing his plant in favour of foreign petrol.
However, in its response, the Dangote Refinery reiterated that it has received no payments from IPMAN for processed petroleum products.
The response clarified that while conversations with IPMAN are underway, “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.”
The company further stated that it cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities, as the payment in question was made through NNPCL, not Dangote Refinery.
It also added that NNPCL has neither approved nor authorised Dangote Refinery to release Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
Emphasising its capacity to meet Nigeria’s demand for all petroleum products, Dangote Refinery advised IPMAN to register directly with the company and arrange payment for the supply of products.
“We wish to reiterate that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. Currently, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and are also transporting petroleum products by sea. We encourage IPMAN to register with us and make direct payments, as we have more than enough petroleum products to meet their members’ needs.
“Moreover, we urge all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as this could undermine the economic restructuring efforts led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.
“In the national interest, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and follow President Tinubu’s guidance, promoting unity rather than engaging in media confrontations and unnecessary propaganda,” the statement read in part.
