…. Warns marketers against sharp practices
Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojeifoh has called on Downstream Operators to take advantage of the Ease of Doing Business policy of the state.
Making this call at the Downstream Operators Stakeholders Forum organized by the Ministry, Hon. Enaholo also warned them against under-dispensing, sales of adulterated products, and other forms of sharp practices as the government will not hesitate to clamp down on any filling station found wanting.
” Edo State government under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is people-centered; the interest of Edo people is our priority. We totally disagree with any practices that will deepen the suffering of our people. I have given you two weeks to tell your members to adjust their pumps to what is acceptable worldwide. The people have suffered enough from fuel subsidy removal. Someone can not get PMS at such a costly price and you still adjust your pump.
The Taskforce will not fail to fish out those selling adulterated PMS and gas. Any marketer found wanting will be dealt with according to the law of the land ”
Hon. Enaholo unveiled plans by the government to reposition the sector for more investors and investments to come into the state noting that a database of all licensed downstream operators will be launched in earnest.
The Commissioner disclosed that plans to build a tank farm are in the pipeline to address the issue of marketers going far to source for products adding that truck parks will also be built in the state.
” Edo State is an investor’s destination, the challenges of security and power have been removed by the Governor. Edo State security architecture has been heavily invested in while the Ossiomo power plant is on standby to supply power. Our Governor saw ahead of others and he’s the first to launch power in Nigeria. Edo State is the best hub for business. A lot of investors are coming into the oil and gas business in the state and they’ll be working with the people that are already on the ground. So we need a list of your members who are duly licensed for the database. It will be an added advantage, so at a click, investors will be sure of their off-takers and those they’ll be dealing with when they come.
We have designed a master plan for the security system. When you dial 739 it will take you to the security agency’s control room where you’ll get a prompt response. The issue of trucks parking on major roads will be addressed. Truck park will be built in the state”.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Ferguson Enabulele said that the forum was organized to brainstorm on how problems bedeviling the sector can be addressed.
He noted that the coming of the Commissioner to the ministry was timely as he will no doubt deploy his wealth of experience to tackle the issues headlong and urged stakeholders to be civil in making their submissions.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale, Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Arch Joshua Omokhodiom, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Ferguson Enabulele, Directors of the ministry, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Civil Society Group, Officers of the Fire Service, Department of Security Service (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Hon. Enaholo also met with Upstream Operators where he harped on Corporate Social Responsibilities, CSR, and the need for a harmonious co-existence between them and their host communities.
