“IPMAN Disowns Planned Strike, Declares Support for Dangote Refinery Operations”
Story written by Myra Chinonso September 8,2025
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has distanced itself from a proposed strike reportedly announced by its Western Zone, clarifying that the body remains fully supportive of the Dangote Refinery and its operations.
The clarification comes amid tensions in the downstream oil sector following the commissioning of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Africa’s largest, which is expected to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and reduce reliance on imports.
In a statement on behalf of IPMAN’s National Executive Council (NEC), Douglas Iyike, National Ex-Officio of IPMAN, dismissed the strike notice and urged members nationwide to continue normal operations.
“The NEC, under the leadership of Alhaji Maigandi Shittima, is not aware of any strike decision. The Western Zone lacks the constitutional power to declare a strike—it is only the NEC that can make such a pronouncement,” Iyike said.
He explained that Dangote’s decision to distribute products with its own trucks was consistent with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which permits private refineries to refine, transport, and retail petroleum products. According to him, the move will also reduce the burden of multiple levies imposed on marketers by tanker unions.
Iyike stressed that the refinery would benefit marketers by enabling them to access products on credit and settle payments after sales, a development he said would boost business growth across the sector.
“Dangote has not harmed marketers; rather, the refinery is a game-changer. IPMAN nationwide is solidly behind the refinery and will not allow a few individuals to derail progress in the downstream industry,” he added.
The NEC also refuted claims by some IPMAN members that Dangote’s trucking operations violated the PIA, insisting the law explicitly allows private investors to refine, transport, and retail petroleum products.
With IPMAN’s endorsement, the Dangote Refinery is set to play a critical role in reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum landscape, reducing costs for marketers, and improving product availability nationwide.
