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 a year of bold reforms, improved transparency, and enhanced operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector.
PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the association had observed significant progress in governance, accountability, and commercial discipline within NNPCL over the past year. He noted that the introduction of structured financial and operational reporting systems has boosted stakeholder confidence and aligned the company with global best practices.
The association also lauded the renewed focus on revamping Nigeria’s refining capacity through strategic partnerships, alongside ongoing efforts to restart government-owned refineries. PETROAN stressed that the timely operationalisation of these facilities remains crucial to achieving energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
While acknowledging efforts to boost crude oil production and strengthen the value chain across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, PETROAN said the reforms have positively impacted product availability and distribution. However, it noted that challenges persist in pricing stability and supply consistency.
The association called for sustained engagement with industry players to ensure that the benefits of ongoing reforms are fully realised at the retail level. It also urged NNPCL leadership to deepen inclusiveness in policy implementation, particularly in areas affecting product allocation, logistics, and infrastructure development.
Describing the GCEO’s first year in office as a defining period, Dr. Gillis-Harry said the administration has restored confidence in NNPCL operations and demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional reforms. He added that increased transparency, including the publication of operational and financial reports, marks a significant shift towards rebuilding trust among stakeholders and investors.
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Speaking to journalists, the PETROAN president emphasised the need to sustain reform momentum through inclusive, stakeholder-driven policies that will ensure long-term stability and growth in the downstream sector.
PETROAN also made several recommendations, including the strengthening of pipeline security to boost crude oil production, immediate commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, and improved stakeholder engagement through regular consultations.
The association further urged the GCEO to undertake operational visits to the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to assess progress and reinforce commitment to their timely completion. It also called for increased crude oil allocation to local refineries to enhance domestic capacity and stabilise product supply.
While applauding the achievements recorded so far, PETROAN stressed the need for continued transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation in key sector decisions, particularly on pipeline security and equitable distribution of opportunities among host communities.
The association reaffirmed its support for reforms aimed at promoting sustainability, efficiency, and growth in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, expressing optimism that NNPCL will sustain its transformation under Ojulari’s leadership.
