The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have pledged to ensure a smooth supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, across the federation.
Though its 14-day ultimatum remains, NUPENG President, William Akporeha, said the courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, was to exchange notes on how the country could optimally benefit from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He explained: “I can say that the issues that bring us here are not totally about our concerns with our employers, but some of the issues were also discussed. But principally, what brought us here is to discuss the industry and how to galvanise the system in such a way that Nigeria will reap bountifully from the PIA. We know that the PIA has many good sides, but those good aspects must be carefully harnessed for the country to benefit from it.”
In his remarks, the NMDPRA boss said everything was being done to meet the deadline.
His words: “Though the visit was a courtesy call, we discussed issues that border on the well-being of Nigerians. The most pressing issue now is the 14-day ultimatum, which was handed down to Chevron by NUPENG. Although the issues are mostly upstream, we have asked NUPENG to provide the details and the authority would intervene to ensure that there is no disruption in the supply of products.”
He urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, describing the oil and gas unions as partners in progress.
Ahmed added: “Both NUPENG and PENGASSAN are partners in progress. We do not see them as antagonists, but as collaborators and worthy partners.”
This is a courtesy visit and not about discussing any issue that is agitating their minds. They have given us their assurance that they will work with us collaboratively to achieve the objectives of PIA.”
