As the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) gears up for an emergency meeting scheduled for Thursday in Abuja, industry veterans the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have publicly disowned the new group.
Both NARTO and IPMAN, longstanding players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, issued statements rejecting ADITOP, asserting that the organisation has no legitimacy or relationship with the recognised petroleum transport and distribution networks. The emerging group is reportedly set to discuss challenges faced by petroleum transporters, including support for truck owners, at its upcoming meeting. However, NARTO and IPMAN leaders argue that ADITOP’s motives could disrupt harmony within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry.
NARTO’s Concerns: A “Strange Association” with No Recognition
NARTO President Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman described ADITOP as a “strange association” lacking legitimacy within the sector. Othman emphasised that NARTO remains the only recognised body for the transportation of petroleum products across Nigeria, enjoying robust relationships with key industry associations such as the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and IPMAN, as well as the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). He cautioned that ADITOP’s emergence could lead to instability within the industry.
“Our attention has been drawn to this new association planning a meeting on Thursday in Abuja,” Othman stated. “Their agenda claims to focus on truck owners and drivers, but we must notify the federal government and relevant oil industry regulators that ADITOP is unknown to us. We are the only registered association representing tanker owners’ interests and have a longstanding, collaborative relationship with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to protect tanker drivers’ welfare.”
IPMAN’s Response: Raising Concerns About ADITOP’s Intentions
IPMAN President Abubakar Maigandi echoed Othman’s concerns, warning about the potential negative impact of ADITOP on the sector. Maigandi reaffirmed IPMAN’s commitment to industrial harmony and collaboration with established stakeholders such as NUPENG and NARTO.
“We are the major suppliers of petroleum products nationwide and value our good relationships with other industry stakeholders. Our association does not support any initiative that might disrupt the steady supply of petroleum products,” Maigandi remarked.
Concerns over Stability in Nigeria’s Downstream Petroleum Sector
With Nigeria’s downstream sector already facing logistical challenges, the emergence of new groups without a defined role could add further strain. Industry analysts caution that unregulated associations may lead to supply chain disruptions and increased operational costs for fuel distribution.
NARTO and IPMAN’s statements underscore their commitment to maintaining stability within the sector and their collective resolve to continue meeting Nigeria’s petroleum transport and supply needs without interference from unrecognised bodies.
NARTO and IPMAN’s rejection of ADITOP sends a strong message to the federal government and industry regulators about the need for streamlined and officially recognised associations within the petroleum industry. As the downstream sector faces evolving challenges, both organisations emphasise the importance of collaboration with well-established industry stakeholders to maintain operational stability across Nigeria’s vast petroleum supply chain.
