As part of efforts to strengthen petroleum and gas consumption in Nigeria, consumers have birthed an umbrella body to operate under the aegis of the National Association of Petroleum Products and Gas Consumers (NAPGCO).
The association said, it has become necessary for the interest of Nigerians consuming Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and gas to be protected against fuel scarcity, noting that activities in the upstream and downstream industry must be operated within the confines of laws governing the industry.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday by the pioneer General Secretary, Dr Usman Dabo, said the Nigerian government has done its best to have enacted a Petroleum Industry Act, hence, it required all stakeholders to ensure that the industry runs full-blown.
It added that the association will protect the Petroleum Industry Act from political manipulation by any administration in the interest of the growth of the oil and gas industry.
The statement further averred that the association would work with the government, industry players and other relevant sectors to ensure the protection of the rights of consumers and support the reform in the oil industry that guards against fuel scarcity in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Association will open offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country with a view to monitoring and carrying out their activities smoothly.
According to Dr Dabo, fuel consumption stands at 68 million litres per day, and to this much, Nigerians have the right to daily fuel for the smooth operation of business activity across the country.
The statement said, “The Association will educate and enlighten the citizenry on the rights of the consumers of petroleum products and gas.
“Will partner and cooperate with the NNPCL and other trade unions and marketers in protecting the rights of the consumers”, it noted
The Association called for cooperation across all oil and gas sectors to tackle sabotage of all forms in the oil and gas industry.