Yemisi Izuora
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has
urged the new Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) President to champion strong and sustained advocacy for the revival and full operationalisation of Nigeria’s government-owned refineries.
The Association emphasized that restoring these refineries will promote healthy competition in the downstream sector, prevent monopolistic dominance, create employment opportunities across the value economic development.
National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, while acknowledging the emergence of Dr. Salimon Oladiti as the new President of the Union, stressed that functional refineries will also enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
In addition, PETROAN encouraged the new NUPENG leadership to consolidate a
productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the Dangote Refinery, noting
that strong collaboration between organised labour and major refining operators
is essential for operational stability, fair market practices, and the overall growth
of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
“PETROAN remains confident that under Comrade Oladiti’s leadership, NUPENG
will continue to foster industrial harmony, deepen stakeholder engagement, and
protect the collective interests of workers and operators in the downstream
petroleum sector.” it assured.
Billy Gillis-Harry, described the development as a major consolidation within the
downstream petroleum sector. He noted that Comrade Oladiti’s emergence
represents continuity, unity, and a renewed commitment to collaboration among
key industry stakeholders.
PETROAN expressed confidence that under the new leadership, the welfare of
petroleum workers will be further strengthened, while the collective voice of
stakeholders will become more vibrant and influential in advancing national
development.
Dr. Gillis-Harry also commended the outstanding service of the outgoing
President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, noting that his tenure witnessed
remarkable achievements, including improved staff welfare, significant salary
enhancements, infrastructural development such as the NUPENG national
headquarters, and the maintenance of industrial peace and a stable working
environment. He reaffirmed PETROAN’s commitment to continued partnership
with NUPENG in promoting efficiency, stability, and shared prosperity across
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.