The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), an umbrella body of oil and gas suppliers, has commended President Mohammadu Buhari for ensuring availability of petroleum products in the country.
A press statement by the National Public Relations Officer, NOGASA, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, Thursday in Abuja, said the group made the commendation at its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held, Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the NWC members promised to improve oil and gas supplies to different parts of the country to address the issue of product distribution in the nation’s energy sector.
In affirmation of the operational mandate of NOGASA, the National President, Mr Benneth Korie, promised to work closely with the federal government to eradicate pipeline vandalism and adulteration of petroleum products.
He said Korie, while distributing operations vehicles to the zonal chairmen of NOGASA, recalled that President Buhari in his Independence Day speech promised to remain focused on optimising revenues generated from the oil and gas sector as well as pass the Petroleum Industry Bill.
“We will continue our campaign against illegal bunkering of crude oil and smuggling of refined petroleum products across our borders, ensuring diligent prosecution and conviction of offenders found guilty.
“Whilst Nigeria remains committed to free and fair continental and international trade, we will not hesitate to tackle illegal smuggling, trans-shipment and other predatory trade practices that destroy jobs in our country.”
According to the president, although the association had been in operation there had been delay in its fight against vandalism due to the need to study the oil and gas industry to achieve desired goals.
Adequate arrangements, he said had been made to organise a seminar for members of the association in a bid to chat the way forward to ensure sustainable distribution channel
He said that the association had established a TV station, website and social media platforms to create awareness about its programmes and policies.
While thanking the federal government on the bid to restore the railways, he tasked the administration to expedite action to enable distributed of petroleum product through the railways.
