The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has visited
Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State to explore what the association described as “structured product offtake partnership” aimed at
strengthening the supply of locally refined petroleum products to retail outlets across Nigeria.
The PETROAN delegation, led by the National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, was received by
the Chairman of Azikel Refinery, Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR, and members of the refinery’s
management team.
The meeting according to a statement released tuesday, and signed by chris odia, special advisor media, PETROAN, and Dr. Joseph Obele, the PRO of the association focused on the development and operational plans of the refinery, as well as
opportunities for stronger collaboration between Azikel Refinery and petroleum products retail outlets.
A major part of the discussions was the proposed offtake arrangement, under which PETROAN
members would have access to petroleum products from the refinery, subject to mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational terms.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Gillis-Harry said PETROAN remains committed to working with indigenous refineries to strengthen the downstream petroleum sector with the aim to improve access to locally refined products.
“The growth of domestic refining capacity presents an important opportunity for Nigeria.
As retailers, we want to build practical partnerships with indigenous refineries that can improve product availability, strengthen supply chains and create greater certainty for businesses and
consumers,” he said.
He added that PETROAN’s engagement with Azikel Refinery was focused on developing a
sustainable relationship designed to benefit both the refinery and petroleum products retail outlets
“Our objective is not simply to discuss offtake. We want to establish a dependable supply relationship that works commercially for the refinery and gives our members greater confidence
in planning their businesses,” Dr. Gillis-Harry stated
Responding, Dr. Eruani Azibapu welcomed the PETROAN delegation and emphasised the
importance of building strategic relationships with petroleum products retail outlets as Azikel
Refinery progresses with its operations.
The two parties agreed on the need for continued engagement to address the commercial and
operational requirements of the proposed offtake arrangement.
The partnership discussions come amid growing efforts to expand domestic refining capacity and strengthen local petroleum products supply.
The statement further noted, that collaboration with indigenous refineries forms part of PETROAN broader engagement with stakeholders across the downstream
petroleum value chain.
The Association said it would continue to engage with domestic refineries, government
institutions and other industry stakeholders to promote a more efficient, competitive and
sustainable petroleum products market in Nigeria.
The latest engagement by PETROAN is coming at a time when members of the crude oil refiners-owners association of Nigeria, CORAN, are intensifying conversation on ways to forge a new roadmap to strengthening Nigeria’s refining environment to make it even more robust for business.
