Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CSGs) has urged all stakeholders, including private oil marketers, depot owners, workers, media, civil society, and all participants in the petroleum distribution chain, to join hands with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in its efforts to ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
Their call amid speculation of another round of fuel scarcity and a likely increase in the pump price of PMS, following perceived increase in the landing cost and other associated cost of petrol to Nigerians.
The coalition, comprising;Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), Activists For Good Governance (AfGG), Campaign Against Impunity (CAI), Transparency Advocacy for Good Governance (TAGG), Centre for Promotion of Justice (CFPJ) and Women Advocates for Good Governance (WAGG), made the call on Tuesday at a press conference, which took place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Reading the communiqué of the coalition at the end of its round-table parley, Comrade Femi Lawson of Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) said it had become imperative for Nigerians to prioritize what he termed: the national interest, and “ensuring that our efforts are synchronized to overcome obstacles and improve service delivery to every corner of Nigeria.”
Lawson, however, commended the NNPCL, particularly the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Mele Kyari, for their unwavering dedication in managing the complexities associated with the distribution of petroleum products, amidst considerable challenges, saying that their efforts had been pivotal in ensuring a consistent supply of fuel across Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened demand and logistical constraints.
“First and foremost, we commend the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mele Kyari, for their unwavering dedication in managing the complexities associated with the distribution of petroleum products, amidst considerable challenges. Their efforts have been pivotal in ensuring a consistent supply of fuel across Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened demand and logistical constraints.
“However, while acknowledging the strides made by NNPCL, we recognise that sustainable solutions to the sector’s challenges require a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
“We hereby wish to call upon private oil marketers, depot owners, workers, Media, Civil Society, and all participants in the petroleum distribution chain to join hands with NNPCL in a collaborative approach.
“Together, we must prioritise the national interest, ensuring that our efforts are synchronised to overcome obstacles and improve service delivery to every corner of Nigeria,” Lawson said.
Lawson, while further commending the NNPCL, said its efforts in maintaining a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide were crucial to national energy security, adding that as a commercial entity empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the corporation was fully aware of its mandate to operate as a commercial entity that delivers value to its every Nigerian and other stakeholders.
“Despite its legal mandate to operate commercially, NNPCL recognises the necessity of ensuring energy sufficiency through a seamless supply of petroleum products across the country. This commitment is vital for guaranteeing national energy security,” he said.
According to him, NNPCL has embarked on strategic partnerships, such as the acquisition of OVH downstream assets, aimed at expanding its extensive network of retail stations nationwide, noting that the corporation had, as a result, recorded a significant milestone of capturing approximately 30percent of the nation’s petroleum downstream retail market.
He, however, urged for continued vigilance and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve what he termed: “a sustainable and energy-secure Nigeria.”
Also speaking, Comrade Sina Loremikan of Campaign Against Impunity said giving the present situation, there was need for oil and gas sector to ensure open door for citizens engagement, noting that the need to speak out when things were going wrong had become imperative to build a better Nigeria.
“If you see something going wrong, say something, speak out. This is a national challenge. Let’s involve the media and other stakeholders.
“Nigerians want oil, Nigerians want diesel, Nigerians want gas, this can happen if the door for citizens engagement is open,” Loremikan said.