By Mary Izuaka

 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) is seeking a product offtake partnership with Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State as part of moves to boost the supply of locally refined petroleum products to retail outlets across the country.

The association disclosed this during a visit to the refinery, where its delegation was led by its National President, Billy Gillis-Harry.

The team was received by the Chairman of Azikel Group, Eruani Azibapu Godbless, and members of the refinery’s management team.

According to a statement on Tuesday signed by Chris Odia, Special Adviser on Media to PETROAN, and Joseph Obele, its National Public Relations Officer, the meeting focused on the development and operational plans of the refinery, as well as opportunities for stronger collaboration between the refinery and petroleum products retail outlets.

The statement said a major part of the discussions was the proposed offtake arrangement, under which its members would have access to petroleum products from the refinery, subject to mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational terms.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Gillis-Harry said the association was committed to working with indigenous refineries to strengthen the downstream petroleum sector and 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 the association’s engagement with Azikel Refinery was focused on developing a sustainable relationship that would benefit both parties.

“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,” he stated.

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In his response, Mr Eruani welcomed the PETROAN delegation and emphasised the importance of building strategic relationships with petroleum products retail outlets as the 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.

PETROAN said the collaboration with indigenous refineries forms part of its 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.