In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s fuel distribution network and ensure price stability, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has entered into a strategic partnership with Dangote Refinery. This collaboration aims to distribute Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) nationwide, addressing longstanding challenges in the petroleum sector.
Details of the Partnership
The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, announced the agreement, emphasizing its potential to eliminate price disparities at filling stations across the country. He stated, “By this agreement reached today, Nigerians will henceforth get the best value for money paid for the purchase of PMS, and the era of price disparity will be a thing of the past, even as consideration for the cost of transportation is inclusive in the scheme.”
This partnership is not just a business arrangement but also a commitment to Nigerians. Dr. Gillis-Harry described the agreement as a gesture of goodwill from Dangote Refinery, in conjunction with PETROAN, to the Nigerian populace. He encouraged citizens to remain optimistic, assuring them that better days are ahead in terms of fuel availability and pricing.
Addressing Price Disparities
One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to tackle the issue of price disparities in fuel distribution. By leveraging PETROAN’s extensive network of retail outlets and Dangote Refinery’s production capabilities, the collaboration aims to standardize fuel prices across all regions. This initiative is expected to ensure that Nigerians, irrespective of their location, have access to PMS at uniform prices, thereby promoting fairness and equity in fuel distribution.
Commendation of Regulatory Authorities
In a related development, PETROAN has lauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing gas distribution and importation licenses to the first batch of accredited marketers. The recipients of these licenses include NGML, NIPCO, AXXELA, FALCON, and SNG. Licensees have been advised to utilize these licenses to fully realize President Bola Tinubu’s gas expansion initiative, ensuring seamless gas distribution across the country’s 774 local government areas.
Inauguration of Lagos State Executive Council
Demonstrating its commitment to effective leadership and governance, PETROAN recently inaugurated its Lagos State Executive Council. The newly formed council is tasked with addressing critical issues such as fuel adulteration, illegal adjustment of metering systems, victimization of retail outlet owners by agencies, and the hoarding of petroleum products. The executive council aims to eradicate these malpractices, ensuring a more transparent and efficient petroleum distribution system in Lagos State.
The National President congratulated Akinola Ogunyolemi, who emerged as the Lagos State Chairman of PETROAN in a keenly contested election. Other elected officers include Chief Kayode Owodiye (Vice Chairman), Ehimen Akhere Joseph (Secretary), Mrs. Jane Okoh (PRO), Prince Bakare Adeyinka (Treasurer), and Mr. Olugbenga Alex (State Technical Adviser). Dr. Gillis-Harry charged them to acknowledge the hierarchy of PETROAN at the national and zonal levels and directed the newly inaugurated Lagos State Executive Council to apply for and secure an audience with the Lagos State Governor for the presentation and introduction of the State leadership of PETROAN.
Implications for the Nigerian Petroleum Sector
This partnership between PETROAN and Dangote Refinery is poised to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s petroleum sector. By streamlining the distribution process and addressing price disparities, the collaboration is expected to enhance fuel accessibility and affordability for Nigerians. Moreover, the commendation of NMDPRA’s licensing initiative underscores the importance of regulatory support in achieving the nation’s gas expansion goals.
Conclusion
The alliance between PETROAN and Dangote Refinery marks a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s petroleum distribution landscape. With a focus on efficiency, transparency, and fairness, this partnership holds the promise of delivering tangible benefits to consumers and stakeholders alike, paving the way for a more robust and equitable energy sector in Nigeria.
