PETROAN proffers suggestions for transparency and public trust, including timely competition to benefit consumers, the economy
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Suggestions have been proffered by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to help the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) stick to its 30-day timeline to repair the Port Harcourt Refinery announced on Saturday.
PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele stressed in a statement issued on Sunday that adherence to a 30-day schedule would minimise disruptions to petroleum products supply and head off more hardship for citizens already hard pressed.
The statement quoted PETROAN National President Billy Gillis-Harry as saying the refinery’s shutdown for maintenance is expected but the NNPC should keep complete it in 30 days.
The statement listed six suggestions that would help ensure transparency and public trust in the maintenance that Nigerians suspect as another avenue to divert treasury funds to private pockets as usual.
“Inclusion of PMS Blending Unit: PETROAN emphasises that the repair process must include the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) blending unit, as the crude oil cracking process is of no value without [the following factors]:
“Timely Completion: PETROAN demands that NNPCL complete the repair before existing stocks run dry to prevent market monopolisation and ensure a stable supply of petroleum products.
“Preventing Monopoly: Completing the repair on time will help maintain competition in the market, benefiting consumers and the economy.
“Task Force Setup: PETROAN recommends that the Honourable Minister of Petroleum set up a task force comprising all Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum to monitor the 30-day repairs.
“Weekly Progress Briefs: The task force should brief Nigerians on the job progress every weekend to ensure transparency and accountability in achieving the 30-day repair schedule.
“Prompt Payments to Contractors: PETROAN recommends that payments to contractors handling the repairs be made promptly to avoid delays and ensure the project stays on track.”
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