The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for the purchase of refined petroleum products.
In a recent statement, IPMAN claimed that its members were unable to load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, despite having paid ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Reacting to this, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, labeled the claim as misleading, stating that IPMAN members were not facing issues loading refined products from the facility.
Chiejina explained: “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products. While discussions are ongoing, it is misleading to suggest that IPMAN members are experiencing loading difficulties, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. We cannot be held responsible for payments made to other entities.”
He further clarified that the referenced payment was made to NNPCL, not to Dangote Refinery, and that NNPCL has neither approved nor authorized the release of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
Emphasizing the refinery’s capacity, Chiejina stated, “We can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. We have the capacity to load 2,900 trucks per day and continue evacuating products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payments, as we have ample supply to satisfy their needs.”
In conclusion, he urged all stakeholders to avoid making unsubstantiated statements in the media, as these could potentially undermine the economic efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He warned that conducting business through speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.