The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has said there is renewed focus on revamping Nigeria’s refining capacity through strategic partnerships, alongside ongoing efforts geared towards the start-up and optimal functioning of government-owned refineries.
PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, stated that the association believes that the timely operationalisation of these refineries remains critical to achieving energy security and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The President, in a statement on Friday, by the National Public Relations Officer, PETROAN.Dr Joseph Obele commended efforts aimed at boosting crude oil production and strengthening the value chain across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
He said: “PETROAN, as a key stakeholder in the downstream sector, acknowledges the positive impact of these reforms on product availability and distribution, though we recognise that challenges still exist in pricing stability and supply consistency. We therefore encourage sustained engagement with industry players to ensure that the benefits of these reforms are fully felt at the retail end.
“PETROAN further urges the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) leadership to deepen inclusiveness in policy implementation, especially in areas affecting product allocation, logistics, and infrastructure development. Greater collaboration with retail outlet owners will enhance efficiency and promote seamless delivery of petroleum products nationwide.”
Gillis-Harry commended the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, in his one year in office, stated was marked by bold reforms, improved transparency, and renewed operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector.
He stated that over the past year, PETROAN has observed significant strides in the management of NNPC Ltd, particularly in the areas of governance, accountability, and commercial discipline.
He added that the introduction of structured financial and operational reporting systems has enhanced stakeholder confidence and repositioned the company in line with global best practices.
He further described the NNPC Ltd GCEO’s first year in office as “a defining period that has restored confidence in the operations of NNPCL and demonstrated a clear commitment to reform and institutional strengthening.”
Gillis-Harry noted that the renewed emphasis on transparency and accountability, including the publication of operational and financial reports, represents a major shift towards global best practices, adding that such measures are critical in rebuilding trust among industry stakeholders and investors.
PETROAN President stressed that while the progress recorded is commendable, there is a need to sustain the momentum through inclusive policies and stakeholder-driven initiatives that will guarantee long-term stability, efficiency, and growth in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector.
He said: “In view of the foregoing, PETROAN respectfully makes the following recommendations: Consolidate and strengthen pipeline security architecture to boost and increase Nigeria’s crude oil production, ensure the immediate commencement of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery to enhance local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imports.
“Improve stakeholder engagement through regular consultations and inclusive decision-making processes across the downstream sector.
“The GCEO should find time to undertake operational visits to the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to assess progress firsthand, engage with stakeholders on ground, and reinforce commitment to their timely and sustainable functionality.
“Improve the volume of crude oil allocated to local refineries to enhance domestic refining capacity, reduce import dependency, and stabilise the supply of petroleum products in the country.”
