The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has clarified that its goal is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery, not compete with it, urging the refinery to adopt an open-door supply policy for all marketers.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, the Association’s spokesperson, Ikem Ohia, debunked notions of a conflict, stating that a partnership is essential to guarantee steady fuel availability across Nigeria and eliminate queues.
“Our key interest is to have petroleum products offered at reasonable prices consistently, so that there’s no stock-out and Nigerians no longer queue for fuel,” Ohia stated. “We are not asking for competition; we are asking for partnership.”
Ohia emphasized that the matter is purely commercial, not a request for subsidy. “We are businessmen; he is a businessman. We went into negotiations and are still negotiating to see how he can bridge the gap,” he explained.
He highlighted that DAPPMAN members have built a robust nationwide distribution network over 20 years, with depots in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Lagos.
“What we are asking Dangote to do is to use these depots that are already in existence to meet the demands of Nigerians,” Ohia said, arguing that an open system, rather than working with a select few partners, would benefit the country.
Ohia warned that relying solely on retail gantry sales, as opposed to bulk evacuation to off-takers, cannot meet national demand. “Figures don’t lie; whatever is supplied now doesn’t meet full market needs. Bulk deliveries to depots are necessary if we must serve Nigerians effectively,” he stated.
The clarification comes amid recent controversies, including comments from businessman Femi Otedola, who advised DAPPMAN to restructure and consider buying the Port Harcourt Refinery to stay relevant. PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harris also argued that Dangote’s fleet of 4,000 CNG trucks is insufficient for nationwide supply, supporting DAPPMAN’s call for a broader distribution model.
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