Uche Cecil Izuora
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) is expecting to see a robust growth in domestic gas utilization following a new licensing deal endorsed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for key marketing companies.
Stakeholders in the downstream sector witnessed witnessed and celebrated the issuance of Gas distribution/importation licenses to the first batch of accredited marketers, which includes NGML, NIPCO, AXXELA, FALCON, and SNG.
The PETROAN was among other key stakeholders/personalities whom were in attendance included the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream, Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Minister of State for Oil, Coordinator of the PiCNG, Commission Chairman NUPRC, GCEO NNPC represented, EVPs, and EDs respectively.
The licensees were charged to utilize the license to ensure that the gas expansion initiative of the President is fully achieved by ensuring seamless distribution of gas to the 774 local government areas of the country.
Meanwhile, the PETROAN had sealed a partnership with DANGOTE/MRS for greater and efficient petroleum distribution nationwide. 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.
The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, described the agreement as a show of love from Dangote Refinery, in conjunction with PETROAN, to Nigerians.
Dr. Billy Harry encouraged Nigerians to be optimistic that better days are ahead.
Also, the PETROAN has inaugurated the Lagos State Executive Council of PETROAN in preparation for the task ahead, with the goal of ensuring adulteration, illegal adjustment of metering systems, victimization of retail outlets owners by agencies, and hoarding of petroleum products are eradicated.
The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, congratulated Comr. Otunba Akinola Ogunyolemi, who emerged today as the Lagos State Chairman of PETROAN in a keenly contested election. Other elected officers at the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) 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. Billy Gillis Harry charged them to acknowledge the hierarchy of PETROAN at the National and zonal levels. The National President of PETROAN directed the newly inaugurated Lagos State Executive Council of PETROAN to apply and secure an audience with the Lagos State Governor, just as it is done in other states, for the presentation and introduction of the State leadership of PETROAN to the Governor of Lagos State.
In his inaugural and acceptance speech, Comr. Otunba Akinola Ogunyolemi, the Lagos State Chairman, promised to prioritize the welfare and business interests of all PETROAN members in Lagos.