By Ayomide Otitoju
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has assured Nigerians of adequate availability of petroleum products throughout the festive season, expressing confidence that fuel queues will be avoided.
Speaking at a press briefing at the association’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, December 18, 2025, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Shettima, said marketers have sufficient stock to meet increased demand during the period.
Shettima, however, urged the new leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to take urgent steps to address key industry concerns. He called for the immediate settlement of long-outstanding bridging claims owed to IPMAN members, which he said amount to over ₦190 billion.
According to him, the prompt payment of the claims should be a priority for the NMDPRA, warning that continued delays could negatively affect the smooth distribution and supply of petroleum products in the near future.
The IPMAN president also expressed the association’s support for ongoing efforts to boost local refining capacity, including initiatives by the Dangote Group and other refinery operators. He noted that increased domestic production would reduce marketers’ dependence on foreign exchange and allow Nigerians to benefit from more stable and potentially lower fuel prices.
