Benin-Lokoja-Abuja Road: ANRPM Tasks FG on Quick Overhaul of Critical Corridor of Petroleum Products Movements

•Calls for Amnesty for artisanal refiners to tackle oil theft

The Association of Nigerian Refineries Petroleum Marketers (ANRPM) has urged the federal government to expedite action on the repairs and upgrade of vital corridors crucial for the movement of petroleum products.

The association, particularly call for immediate reconstruction of the Benin-Lokoja-Abuja expressway and the Benin-Ore-Lagos roads that are economic lifelines to the nation.

ANRPM made the call at the press conference held in Abuja, after its Board of Trustees and National Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.

In the communique read by National Spokesperson of the association, Lady Judith Nwachukwu flanked by other top executives, expressed concerns over the current state of the roads which often leads to delays, increased operational costs, frequent accidents, and substantial product losses due to fallen tankers along that route.

The association said that the quick fix on the deplorable roads would accelerate the FERMA 5% user’s charge on fuel pump prices, that directly and swiftly tackles the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads.

The communique was jointly signed by its BoT National Chairman, Hon. Usman Bature Ali, National BoT Secretary, Hajiya (Mrs.) Hauwa Usman, Ndukwe Sam Obu Esq., Member BoT and Director General ANRPM, Dr. Chidi Elogha Okoye, Member BoT and Director-General, Oil and Gas
Engr. Dr. Olusegun Okedoye, Member BoT/Director Inter-governmental & Corporate Affairs, Rev. Dr. Augustine Aganmwonyi, Member BoT and South South Supervisory Chairman.

Others who signed it include, Dr. Anthony Ezekwugo, Director of Foreign Affairs
Dame Julie Okah Donli, OON, Head, Delegation for Peace, Mediation and Conciliation, Lady Judith Nwachukwu, National Spokesperson and Joe Ogbodu, National Media and Publicity.

The communique reads in parts; “That ANRPM voiced its strong support for any initiative, including the proposed 5% user’s charge on fuel pump prices, that directly and swiftly tackles the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads. However, the association emphasizes that the implementation of such a charge must be directly tied to immediate and visible action on critical road networks.

“ANRPM specifically advocates for the expedited repairs and upgrade of vital corridors crucial for the movement of petroleum products – roads like the Benin-Lokoja-Abuja expressway and the Benin-Ore-Lagos roads that are economic lifelines to this nation.

The association insisted that these routes must be prioritized for urgent intervention to mitigate ongoing challenges faced by petroleum marketers and the public.

Beyond immediate repairs, the association called for a strategic shift towards more efficient and safer means of petroleum product distribution, urging the federal government to explore and invest in alternative modes of petroleum products, including building robust rail gauge systems which will reduce the heavy reliance on dilapidated road networks that will not only alleviate the strain on these roads but also drastically cut down on recurrent incidents like tanker accidents.

The ANRPM expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime, saying that the previous subsidy system was plagued by vulnerabilities that fostered corruption, inefficiencies, and misappropriation of public funds.

It said subsidy removal was a necessary step towards creating a more transparent, market-driven, and sustainable petroleum sector.

While acknowledging past challenges associated with the fuel subsidy regime, ANRPM stated that issues surrounding fraudulent activities and manipulation in the subsidy scheme underscore the urgent need for robust regulatory oversight, effective enforcement, and a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The association urged for stricter compliance measures, digital tracking systems, and transparent procurement processes to eliminate leakages and ensure accurate accounting of petroleum products”, the communique added.

They however called on the federal government to extend amnesty and rehabilitation program to operators of artisanal refineries as a strategic move to curb the escalating menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

They highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in addressing oil theft, which has continued to undermine Nigeria’s petroleum industry and economic stability.

The association called on the federal government to adopt a model similar to the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants, provided they are willing to repent and reintegrate into the formal economy.

Among key recommendations, the association call for creation of a presidential committee to coordinate the amnesty process, which would involve receiving repentant illegal bunkering operators, collating their data, facilitating their rehabilitation, and mapping out programs for their economic reintegration.

“The initiative aims to transform former criminals into legitimate operators, thereby reducing oil theft and pipeline vandalism”.

ANRPM also advocated for the approval and establishment of mini modular refineries to accommodate indigenes of affected communities, this creating jobs and promoting local capacity in the area.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant government agencies to address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other illicit practices that threaten Nigeria’s oil sector.

Speaking, Director General ANRPM, Ndukwe Sam Obu Esq., said that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader reform agenda to overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, promote transparency, and reduce dependence on imports. He said that by integrating artisanal refiners into the formal sector, ANRPM believes Nigeria can better secure its oil resources, create employment, and foster economic growth.

Incorporated on April 27, 2018 (RC: 110425), ANRPM reaffirmed its robust partnerships with security agencies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The communique further reads; “These partnerships aim to facilitate smooth operational activities nationwide, including combating illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism, addressing crude oil theft and the adulteration of petroleum products, eradicating other illicit practices across both the downstream and upstream sectors of the petroleum industry, and empowering youths in the oil and gas sector.

“ANRPM expressed commitment as a key voice for Nigerian refineries and marketers to foster Nigeria’s place in OPEC policy discussions, advocating for policies that align with Nigeria’s refining capacity, domestic fuel needs, and economic interests.

“ANRPM believes that “Together We Can Do It Better,” and this new leadership team is poised to drive significant positive change within Nigeria’s vital petroleum sector. The association looks forward to mutually beneficial partnerships with all relevant stakeholders for the economic betterment and security of the nation”, the communique added.