The Caretaker Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, has distanced itself from a group calling for a shutdown of operations over Dangote Refinery’s petroleum product distribution plan.
In a communiqué issued after its emergency meeting on September 6, 2025, the Zonal leadership described those behind the press statement calling for the shutdown as “illegal members and impostors” with no authority to speak on behalf of IPMAN Western Zone.
According to the Zonal Caretaker Chairman, Adeyemi Adepoju, the group’s action does not represent the official position of IPMAN in the zone. He stressed that the newly elected IPMAN President had already made it clear during the association’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) that the Western Zone was committed to working with Dangote to improve petroleum product distribution.
“As our new President emphasised in our recent AGM, IPMAN Western Zone is ready to work with Dangote to ease product distribution in the zone,” Adepoju stated.
While acknowledging the ongoing disagreement between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery, the association appealed for dialogue and peaceful resolution. “IPMAN Western Zone, therefore, urges both Dangote and NUPENG to find an amicable solution to the problem. As IPMAN members, we will support any move that reduces the cost of transporting our products. We will not support any action that will bring hardship to Nigerians,” the statement read.
The zonal leadership further directed its members to continue their business activities without disruption and to report any individual attempting to obstruct their operations. A dedicated telephone line—08022843305—was provided for members to make such reports.
Reiterating its stance against industrial action, Adepoju concluded that IPMAN Western Zone does not support any strike and that members should go about their businesses unhindered.
