Marketers Pledge To Address Sharp Practices In Oil, Gas Industry

Leaders of the Association of Nigerian Refinery Petroleum Marketers have resolved to work with the federal government to combat irregularities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

They decried the level of decay in the country’s oil and gas sector and expressed the optimism that their role would boost ongoing efforts to eradicate irregularities in the industry and reposition the association for better performance.

The marketers spoke through association’s National Task Force coordinator 1, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwu at the induction of commissioners/coordinators of petroleum task force for the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Among the commissioners/coordinators appointed to oversee the affairs of the association in the country included Hon. Unuabor Kingsley Ehimhen (Edo State), Hon. Onuegbu Emeka Josephat (Imo), Chief Emeka Njoku (Abia), Dr. Edison C. Nwadiar (Delta), Ajiroba Joseph (Ondo), Elias Jideobi (Anambra) Ambassador James Ugah (Benue), Obla Eonah (Cross River), Hon. Esther Kumangari (Adamawa), Mr. ILiya Samy (Gombe), Yusuf Ishaku (Bauchi), Hon. Boaz Ishaku (Taraba) and Osu Thaddeus Terzungwe (FCT)

Chukwu said eliminating irregularities in the oil and gas sector would help to salvaging the country’s economy., stressing that, “We are in great need to support the present administration of President Bola Tinubu by affirming to our aims and objectives in the area of eliminating all illegalities in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

“We believe that such move will enhance the national economic growth and assure the Nigerian citizens lofty and better lives,’’ Chukwu said.

Also, the secretary of the association, Engr. Innocent Ogu, addressed the importance of eliminating corrupt practices in the sector.

Ogu said, “We are out to face the challenges of corruption in the oil and gas sector. We are determined to win the fight. Our mandate includes eliminating bunkering in the oil and gas sector and removing dubious middlemen.”

He expressed concern that several people engage in one or two transactions creating middle participation and at the end cause increase in the price of petroleum products for Nigerians.

He promised that the state coordinators would be provided with the needed tools and information to succeed in the task.

The association also aims at eliminating bunkering, exploitation, hoarding, dubious middlemen, sharp business practices, artificial scarcity and adulteration of fuel products in the chain of distribution, while offering effective services.

Other appointees are Chief Dike Obinna (Enugu), Bassey Okon Etoabasi (Akwa Ibom), Pastor Robert Sdah (Kaduna), Ogu Edungaedunga (Nassarawa), Prof. Barango M. Opukumo (Bayelsa), Hon. Norman Bessie Eokoma (River), Chief Oscar. C Eze (Lagos), Mohammed Inusa (Kogi) and Adamu