The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has thrown its full support behind the Dangote Refinery’s plan to distribute petrol and diesel free of charge to marketers nationwide, describing it as a game-changer for the oil sector.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, applauded Aliko Dangote for addressing long-standing logistical challenges in the downstream oil sector.

“If you look at the Dangote statement, it is a strong policy statement,” Ukadike said. “He foresaw a lot of problems in the oil and gas industry and decided to tackle it. It is something that we welcome with a lot of cheers because it is going to bring cheaper fuel to our doorpost.”

Ukadike noted that the move would not only ease fuel availability but also cut unnecessary distribution costs for marketers.

“Our pipelines have gone for years, nobody is talking about the pipelines wired all over the country… But if you look at Dangote’s statement, you will see that a heavy load has been lifted out of the independent marketers,” he added.

The Dangote Refinery had on Sunday announced it would begin free distribution of fuel to dealers and large users starting August 15, 2025. It also revealed the purchase of 4,000 CNG-powered tankers to support the rollout.

However, not all stakeholders are pleased. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) expressed concerns, saying the move could sideline depot owners and retailers who have long-standing supply deals with multinationals.

But IPMAN disagreed. “As a refinery, Dangote has the right to find a better way to get his products to the marketers,” Ukadike countered.

The fuel distribution strategy marks another bold step in Dangote’s push to reshape Nigeria’s oil industry, and many stakeholders are watching closely as the August launch date approaches.