By Our Reporter
The Dangote Refinery has reacted to claims by the Independent Petroleum Marketing Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, that its members do not have access to fuel at the Dangote Refinery despite significant payments made to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in a statement it issued on Thursday, denied receiving any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.
The company noted that although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, “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 denial comes against the backdrop of allegations by IPMAN that its members do not have access to fuel at the Dangote Refinery despite significant payments made to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
IPMAN’s President, Abubakar Garima revealed that independent marketers could not load petrol from the newly established Dangote facility even though they had N40 billion in outstanding payments to the NNPCL.
Speaking on Channels Television Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Garima expressed frustration over the prolonged wait and obstacles faced by marketers at the refinery.
But Dangote Refinery swiftly reacted through a statement by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, saying that they are not be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.
Chiejina said: “The payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), not us.
“In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
“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 daily and 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 reengineering 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.”