The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Rivers State, Tekena Ikpaki, has called on private depot owners to develop new business models to ensure their continued operation in the evolving petroleum landscape.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Ikpaki described Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s recent announcement to distribute petrol and diesel free of charge to marketers, dealers, and large-scale consumers nationwide as a bold and innovative operational approach.
He emphasized that rather than criticizing this initiative, depot owners should view it as a wake-up call to reevaluate and enhance their operational standards to stay competitive and relevant in the industry.
He stated, “This is an improved model that challenges all of us in the industry to think differently and adapt to new realities.”
He further noted, “It’s an opportunity for depot owners to innovate and improve their services to remain in business.”
Commenting on the development, some marketers and executives of IPMAN in Rivers State, including Nwanne Tochukwu and Kelechi Okereke, expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of Dangote’s free distribution initiative. While they acknowledged that such an approach could help address some of the current challenges marketers face in accessing petroleum products, they also urged caution regarding its future implications.
They agreed that if well-managed, the initiative could serve as a model for resolving supply chain issues and improving fuel availability. However, they also stressed the need for sustainable strategies that ensure the industry’s stability beyond the short term.
