As Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector undergoes a major transformation, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Billi Gillis Harry, has lauded the federal government’s recent intervention in the Dangote/NUPENG dispute, describing it as timely and necessary for stability in the oil industry.
In an interview with our correspondent, Dr. Harry reaffirmed PETROAN’s commitment to supporting the Dangote Refinery, hailing it as a national asset and symbol of Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
“We want Dangote Refinery to operate effectively and maximally. It is a very big thing that in my country I have a refinery like that. My greatest desire is to see it thrive and become very successful,” he said.
However, the PETROAN President cautioned against over-centralization in the oil value chain, warning that concentrating too much responsibility and influence in one corporate entity could have adverse effects.
“We don’t want the burden of refining and distribution to be on one group. That would be too much for one company and not in our collective best interest,” Dr. Harry stressed.
He called for a balanced refinery ecosystem involving all players depot owners, transporters (both marine and land), suppliers, marketers, and retail outlet owners to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in petroleum distribution.
Dr. Harry also revealed that PETROAN played a central role in facilitating the government’s intervention that resolved the recent Dangote/NUPENG standoff, emphasizing that PETROAN remains committed to peace and progress in the oil and gas sector.
Beyond his union leadership, Dr. Billi Gillis Harry is celebrated for his collaborative leadership style rooted in consultation and inclusivity. Drawing from his family’s long tradition of public service, he emphasized that PETROAN’s decision-making process is collective.
“I love my PETROAN members. I respect them and honor my superiors, peers, and subordinates alike. Decision-making in PETROAN is collective that’s why everyone complies, from states to local governments and zones,” he explained.
Under his leadership, PETROAN has achieved notable milestones, including stricter compliance with retail licensing regulations and the reduction of adulterated petroleum products in Nigeria’s downstream sector. The association continues to serve as a bridge between government regulators, NUPENG, and other stakeholders in maintaining sectoral stability.
Dr. Harry’s influence extends beyond petroleum. As a former President of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, he has championed business growth through knowledge sharing and collaboration among enterprises.
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In recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions, Dr. Harry received his nomination letter for the 2025 Distinguished Merit and Outstanding Modern Achievers (DMOMA) Awards under the category of Best Union Leadership in Nigeria. The letter was formally presented to him by **Harry Sotonye Henry.
The recognition, widely described as well-deserved, underscores Dr. Harry’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
In an era where leadership is often measured by influence, Dr. Billi Gillis Harry continues to define it through vision, service, and unity values that strengthen both PETROAN and Nigeria’s economic future.
