The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Dr. Kolawole Adewoyin has fully backed Aliko Dangote’s appeal to the federal government to enforce a ban on the importation of petroleum products into Nigeria.
Adewoyin also commended Dangote for the successful establishment and operation of the Dangote Refinery, a landmark achievement that has positioned Nigeria as a petroleum producer rather than a continual importer.
Highlighting the significance of Dangote’s refinery, Adewoyin stated, “There is nothing like monopoly here. Others, both from Nigeria and elsewhere in the world, can come and build theirs in Nigeria. Just as it is in the cement industry, nobody has a monopoly. Shell and Total should build refineries in Nigeria or leave. The federal government should stop importation.”
He emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to enhance its local refining capacity as a pathway to achieve energy self-reliance.
“The government must encourage the building of more refineries in the country. We are no longer under colonial rule. Nigeria can not continue to serve as slaves in this century by relying heavily on imported fuel,” Adewoyin asserted.
Further calling on major international petroleum companies to invest locally, Adewoyin stressed that Nigeria’s future depends on the diversification and expansion of its refining infrastructure.
He also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to privatize indigenous refineries while maintaining controlling shares to ensure efficiency and accountability.
In addition, Adewoyin highlighted the importance of supporting licensed modular refinery operators, saying, “Encouraging modular refinery operators will help diversify our refining base and eliminate monopolistic tendencies in the industry.”
“As the legally approved IPMAN National President, I fully support Dangote’s vision and achievements. Now is the time for all stakeholders to rally around local refining. This is the only path toward true energy independence and economic empowerment for Nigeria,” Adewoyin concluded.