The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for what it described as bold reforms, improved transparency and enhanced operational efficiency within his first year in office.
PETROAN, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, said the leadership of Ojulari has recorded significant progress in governance, accountability and commercial discipline, thereby restoring stakeholder confidence in the operations of the national oil company.
Speaking on behalf of the association, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, noted that the introduction of structured financial and operational reporting systems has repositioned NNPCL in line with global best practices and strengthened trust among investors and industry players.
Gillis-Harry also commended the renewed focus on revamping Nigeria’s refining capacity through strategic partnerships, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure the start-up and optimal functioning of government-owned refineries. He stressed that timely operationalisation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries would enhance energy security and reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
According to him, the reforms introduced under Ojulari’s leadership have positively impacted product availability and distribution across the downstream sector, although challenges relating to pricing stability and supply consistency still persist.
“As a key stakeholder in the downstream petroleum sector, PETROAN acknowledges the positive impact of these reforms on product availability and distribution. However, sustained engagement with industry players is necessary to ensure that the benefits of these reforms are fully felt at the retail end,” he said.
The association urged the NNPCL leadership to deepen inclusiveness in policy implementation, particularly in areas affecting product allocation, logistics and infrastructure development. It noted that stronger collaboration with retail outlet owners would improve efficiency and ensure seamless nationwide distribution of petroleum products.
Describing Ojulari’s first year as a defining period for the national oil company, Gillis-Harry said the renewed emphasis on transparency and accountability, including the publication of operational and financial reports, represents a major shift towards institutional strengthening.
While commending the progress recorded so far, PETROAN called for sustained momentum through inclusive policies and stakeholder-driven initiatives capable of guaranteeing long-term stability, efficiency and growth in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector.
The association also made several recommendations to the NNPCL leadership, including strengthening pipeline security architecture to boost crude oil production, ensuring immediate commencement of production at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, and improving stakeholder engagement through regular consultations and inclusive decision-making processes.
It further advised the NNPCL GCEO to undertake operational visits to the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to assess progress, engage stakeholders and reinforce commitment to their timely functionality. PETROAN also advocated increased crude oil allocation to local refineries to enhance domestic refining capacity, reduce import dependence and stabilise supply of petroleum products.
PETROAN reaffirmed its support for reforms aimed at promoting sustainability, efficiency and growth in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, expressing optimism that under Ojulari’s leadership, NNPCL would continue on the path of transformation for the benefit of all Nigerians.
