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Marketers To Engage Dangote On Fuel Distribution Plan
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for clarity on Dangote Refinery’s offer of free nationwide logistics for petrol and diesel distribution.
MEMAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Clement Isong, made the call on Thursday during the association’s quarterly online press webinar.
He explained that Dangote Refinery plans to extend free logistics support to marketers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation companies, and other large-scale consumers.
The webinar, with the theme ‘Fair and Healthy Competition in the Nigerian Market,’ drew media professionals, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s changing energy landscape.
Isong welcomed the innovation but stressed the need for transparency, especially regarding logistics and pricing within Dangote Refinery’s proposed distribution framework.
He said: “We’ve heard reports about free logistics from August 15, but we need clarification on scope, regions covered, and operational details.”
He urged dialogue between Dangote, regulators, stakeholders, and the media to ensure all aspects are properly addressed.
He warned against drawing conclusions too early, saying, “Some suggest standardised pricing nationwide, but we need facts. Clear communication is essential.”
Isong reaffirmed MEMAN’s support for open market competition and praised the innovation behind introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.
He noted that several MEMAN members have already implemented solar stations and pooled logistics to boost efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Describing Dangote’s plan to roll out 4,000 CNG trucks as “brilliant,” he raised concerns about fairness and competition oversight.
“That’s a major move for logistics and sustainability. But it might also trigger fears of dominance in the fuel supply chain.”
He said MEMAN members are also transitioning from diesel to CNG trucks in line with the government’s cleaner energy drive.
However, he warned that the policy remains in early stages and infrastructure gaps must be addressed.
“CNG is still a developing policy. Infrastructure is lacking, so coordinated planning is vital,” he said.
He pointed out that Dangote has experience using CNG in its cement operations, having converted around 2,000 trucks already.
Isong said this experience gives the company an edge, but warned that clear rules are needed to protect market fairness.
He called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the NMDPRA to manage innovation alongside market stability.
“This must be an ongoing conversation between regulators and market actors,” he said.
He emphasised that MEMAN supports deregulation and innovation, but cautioned that market structure must not be ignored.
“We support CNG trucks and similar innovations. But we must fully assess the implications before taking positions,” he said.
He said MEMAN is carefully watching market developments and will respond once all facts are available.
“We need a full picture before making any conclusions,” he said. He noted that innovation must align with national priorities and benefit the average Nigerian.
“Rushing to conclusions would be unwise. This should be about national interest and consumer welfare,” Isong said.
He acknowledged risks in a deregulated market, such as monopolies, but stressed the long-term value of competition.
“Competition fosters efficiency and sustainability, but oversight is vital to prevent market capture,” he said.
He added that energy is vital to development and must be priced and distributed with the public in mind.
“If fuel prices soar, Nigerians suffer and growth stalls. We need ongoing discussions on distribution and pricing,” he said.
On collaboration, he noted that the sector often shares resources to manage costs and improve efficiency.
“Many MEMAN members buy from Dangote and work together on logistics. Globally, the oil sector cooperates across the chain.
“Retail competition exists, but supply chain cooperation ensures lower costs and reliability,” he said.
Nigeria’s energy transition continues, and Dangote’s 4,000 CNG trucks could significantly reshape fuel logistics.
The impact depends on how this move is regulated, expanded, and integrated into the wider national strategy.
Earlier, Dangote Industries said it would start nationwide fuel distribution from August 15, using the new CNG trucks.
This was confirmed by Mr Abiodun Alade, Dangote’s Internal Communications Specialist.
MEMAN said it is monitoring market responses and will engage constructively once Dangote’s plans become clearer.
Meanwhile, the World Bank noted that Nigeria’s policy environment is seen by investors as stifling competition.
Mr Samer Matta, Senior Economist at the World Bank, made this known in a presentation titled ‘Catalysing Competition in Nigeria.’
He said monopolies and market concentration still dominate many Nigerian sectors.
In a 2024 table on market-based competition (0 lowest, 20 highest), Nigeria ranked last among peers like Egypt, Ghana, and India.
Matta said government protection fails to improve refining efficiency or deliver consumer benefits.
He argued that refineries should face open competition, not be shielded from import challenges.
He criticised the current policy, which prioritises local supply and permits imports only in case of shortages.
He said this approach contradicts the competition principles stated in section 317 (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
News
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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