Oil marketers affirm capacity to import petrol, list challenges for govt to tackle

.As Army arrests 12 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

 The Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Olumide Adeosun, has applauded the deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Ardova Energy, Adeosun acknowledged that the issues of foreign exchange and fuel subsidy had been addressed, but he stressed that other challenges still needed attention.

In an interactive session with  journalists interview in Lagos on the development in the downstream operations, Adeosun emphasized the need for a sustainable welfare package for citizens. He highlighted the importance of productivity in the country’s development and called on the government to address issues such as insecurity, increase productivity in the oil and gas sector, and curb the rising cost of food and transportation.

Adeosun also applauded the inauguration of a committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms and appealed to the government to reconsider the 7.5% VAT on diesel, as it would further burden Nigerians. He suggested suspending VAT on diesel until the impact of the petrol price increase is overcome.

Adeosun further urged the government to consider subsidies for transportation and tackle challenges such as insecurity, crude oil theft, as well as fuel and power subsidies.

He mentioned that MOMAN members had the capacity to import petrol into the country, and importation licenses are renewed on a quarterly basis. He added that the challenge to importation will be the balanced wind-down of NNPCL imports as the private sector takes the burden while waiting for the onboarding of local refineries.

“The reality is that many of us have importation licenses that have never lapsed. We renew them on a quarterly basis via the NMDPRA portal. Some of us are also importing diesel, so we need these licenses,” explained Adeosun. “The licenses cover multiple products such as ATK, PMS, and AGO. The regulator will tell you that we need them even when we are receiving products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly on the high sea.”

Adeosun also emphasized the need for efficiency in the importation and delivery operations process to offset the shortcomings in forex rates.

“That has often been the case when aligning with the NNPCL operating regime. Efficiency has always been at the forefront, and subsidies will absorb all of that. As for us, we own the vessel, depot, trucks, and retail outlets, so we can afford to optimize efficiency,” clarified Adeosun.

He called on the government to implement favorable regulatory frameworks, provide incentives for renewable energy projects, and encourage research and development in clean technologies. “This newfound commitment to alternative fuels is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the economic and social benefits associated with a transition to a sustainable energy future. By embracing alternative fuels and renewables, governments are not only leading the way towards a greener and more resilient future but also fostering innovation, job creation, and energy security for our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, No fewer than 12 suspected oil thieves have been arrested by the Nigeria Army for allegedly breaking and siphoning crude oil from a pipeline in Rivers.

The suspects were arrested alongside unspecified quantity of crude oil stored in paraffin bags, motorcycles, wheelbarrows and jerrycans.

Brig.-Gen. Eddy Effiong, the Commander 6 Division Garrison, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt briefed newsmen on the arrest of the suspects in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He said the suspects were arrested on July 2 and July 3 by troops on routine patrol of both coastal and land communities in the state.

“The 12 suspects were arrested by our troops while they were siphoning crude oil from the Rumuekpe/Okporowo pipeline near Okoba community in Ahoada East area of Rivers.

“Items recovered from the suspects were unspecified quantity of crude oil stored in paraffin bags, motorcycles, wheelbarrows and jerrycans.

“So, we are here to parade them and put a face to the oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Effiong, also the Commander of Sector 3, Operation Delta Safe, said the army under the command of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had zero tolerance to oil theft.

“We are committed to checkmating the activities of illegal bunkers in the Niger Delta considering that this illegal activity has adverse effect on the nation’s economy.

“We know how important crude oil product is to our economy, hence we are making effort to ensure that criminals are not given freedom to sabotage the nation’s economy,” he said.

The army officer said the suspects had already provided useful information that would aid army operations against oil thieves.

He gave the assurance that the commission would speedily conclude its investigation with a view to handing over the suspects to prosecuting agencies. (NAN)