By Ignatius Ushie
Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has said it will tackle sharp practices in the oil and gas sectors by dealing only with government accredited depots to discourage sale of adulterated products and pipeline vandalisation.
Addressing journalists during a world press conference in Abuja recently to announce the official commencement of its operations nationwide, the National President of NOGASA, Mr. Beneth Korie said with the nationwide flag off, the organization shall wipe out all forms of sharp practices within the downstream sector, adding that all efforts have been put in place to protect oil and gas businesses and indeed the end-users from the criminal practices of dishonest operators in the system. According to him, the unwholesome practices of some unscrupulous dealers are hurting the businesses of NOGASA, hence the decision to checkmate their activities.
Korie said that a task force is already in place to monitor activities in the industry to ensure that pipeline vandals do not enjoy any patronage.
The National President added that members of NOGASA would only source products from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) licensed depots nationwide.
“We are pleased to inform the good people of Nigeria that we are flagging off our activities nationwide. Our mission is straight forward: quality service.
“We shall work very hard to create a smooth and enabling environment in this country. Our principle aim and objective is to reinforce the ethical standards of the industry, most Nigerians will agree with us that natural oil and gas is critical in the development of this nation.
“To reduce adulterated products, all our members are hereby advised to desist from patronizing the products of vandalized pipelines, all our members are advised to patronize government and private depots only.
“Furthermore, there will be regular workshops for our members to update them with government policies in the petroleum sector,” he said.
Korie also urged the federal government to encourage the unity of marketers and suppliers in order for them to easily interface between government and marketers. So as to curb the inadequacies existing in the sector.
