CSOs ask stakeholders to collaborate with NNPC for seamless petrol supply

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance has called on stakeholders to partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to ensure seamless delivery of petroleum products across the country.

The coalition was led by Olufemi Lawson, secretary of the Centre of Public Accountability; Declan Ihekiare, director of Activists For Good Governance; Sina Loremikan, head of Campaign Against Impunity; Ganzallo Gbenga, director of Transparency Advocacy for Good Governance; Abdullahi Alli, head of Centre for Promotion of Justice; and Aisha Kewulere, coordinator of Women Advocates for Good Governance.

At the end of a roundtable meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, the coalition leaders issued a communique expressing excitement about how NNPC manages fuel supply across the country.

On July 8, the NNPC said petrol queues in the federal capital territory (FCT) resulted from the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of the commodity between mother and daughter vessels.

The national oil firm said the situation was due to recent thunderstorms and the consequential flooding of trucking routes which constrained the movement of petrol to Abuja from coastal corridors.

NNPC also said petrol stations are to operate for longer hours to enhance supply and distribution.

In the communique, the civil society organisations (CSOs) said it found that NNPC made efforts to avert the disaster that the situation would have caused.

Speaking on the issue, Lawson commended NNPC, particularly Mele Kyari, its group chief executive officer (GCEO), for their unwavering dedication to managing petroleum product distribution complexities despite significant challenges.

“Their efforts have been pivotal in ensuring a consistent supply of fuel across Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened demand and logistical constraints,” he said.

“However, while acknowledging the strides made by NNPCL, we recognize 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.”

‘PRIORITISE NATIONAL INTEREST’ 

The coalition urged all stakeholders to prioritise national interest, coordinating their efforts to get past roadblocks and enhance service delivery throughout Nigeria.

“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,” the CSOs said.

“This commitment is vital for guaranteeing national energy security.”

The group hailed NNPC for its ongoing cooperation with critical stakeholders.

The coalition said the state-owned company has maintained robust collaborations with key stakeholders in the downstream sector. 

They listed the stakeholders to include the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Nigerian Oil Marketers Association, and Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD). 

“These partnerships ensure seamless storage, supply, distribution, and retailing of petroleum products across the nation,” the coalition said.

“We call for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to further ensure energy sufficiency for Nigeria.”

To create a sustainable and energy-secure Nigeria, the coalition urged all parties to maintain their vigilance and cooperation.