The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has urged its members to refrain from shutting down operations over unpaid bridging claims and instead engage in dialogue with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to resolve the issue.
This resolution was reached following an emergency National Executive Meeting held in Abuja.
While acknowledging the frustration and concerns of its members regarding unpaid bridging claims amounting to N100 billion, PETROAN emphasised that a shutdown could lead to fuel scarcity, economic disruption, and increased hardship for Nigerians.
In a statement on Tuesday, its National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, recalled a stakeholdersā€™ meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, where PETROAN reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue over industrial action.
The association further urged the relevant authorities to facilitate the prompt payment of the outstanding claims, stressing that this would ease the financial strain on its members and ensure the continued smooth operation of the downstream petroleum sector.
PETROAN reiterated its commitment to stability and growth in the sector through dialogue, cooperation, and innovative solutions, under the leadership of its National President, Billy Gillis-Harry.
It also appealed to its members to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that discussions with NMDPRA and other stakeholders were ongoing to secure a lasting resolution.
