Nigeria has said that as a matter of strategy, it would flood filling/service stations nationwide with compressed natural gas before this year end.
This it said would make product deeper penetration and access to customers/power automobiles.
Petrol service stations nationwide operate under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) whose president is Dr Billy Harry-Gillis Sotubo.
The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari, dropped the information last Monday during the 3rd Valuechain Annual Lecture and Awards in Abuja, but he did not give details of the partnership.
[Also Read] Nigeria’s Oil To Run Out In 49yrs – DPR Warns
According to him there is need for quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), whereas Nigeria’s current laws have not responded to the changes and recent happenings in the petroleum industry within and outside the country.
Kyari said that the disagreements between the executive and legislature were responsible for the delay in passing the bill.
He expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration between the executive and the legislative arms of government will bring to closure the passage of the PIB, which has lingered for more than 20 years.
“The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is still not yet over the line after two decades. It however gladdens my heart that there is a renewed commitment on the part of everyone to get it passed,” he said.
[Also Read] FG Committed To LPG 40% Penetration Initiative – Sylva
Speaking on the theme “The Role of Media in the Nigerian Petroleum Sector Reform and Investment”, the NNPC boss said the Corporation will sustain its unflinching support to the Muhammadu Buhari led federal government, as well as the media in their efforts to educate the public on the PIB legislation and implementation.
The secretary-general of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Umor Farouk, who was the key speaker at the webinar, decried the high incidence of lack of salaried for journalists by their employees.
Other challenges that he highlighted that are facing Nigerian media include, include dearth of funds, and lack of training for journalists by media owners. These factors, he pointed out, have hindered media practitioners in Nigeria from playing effectively their roles in the PIB passage campaign.
[Also Read] Ghana Petrol Station Blast, Flooding Leave Estimated 150 Dead
The APPO chieftain advocated for the establishment of trust fund to support the media and strengthen it to effectively play its primary roles.
Some notable Nigerians were honoured with Award of Excellence for their contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
The Award recipients are; the minister of state for petroleum resources, His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva; the chief executive officer of Oilserv Group, Engr Emeka Okwuosa; former executive director, NNPC, Alhaji Aminu Baba-Kusal; and the managing director of Spectrum Engineering, Dr Abubakar Isah.
By Chibisi Ohakah
Be the first to know when we publish an update
