By Frank Momoh
The Artisanal Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (AORAN) has commended President Muhamadu Buhari,
for removing fuel subsidy describing it as one of the greatest achievements which Nigerian are yet to align with its benefits in terms of economic stability.
The National Chairman of the Association, Mr. Godwin Sunday made the disclosure when he led members of the group for an interactive session with the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang on Wednesday in Abuja.
The association used the session to plead with the federal government to open up the oil and gas industry to avoid certain individual setting up monopoly at the detriment of Nigerians.
Adding that: “As a body well-rooted in oil and gas industry, we will continue to give Government maximum support for this purpose.”
The Chairman, also lauded the integration of the Northern part of the country into the artisanal gold mining activities in the country’s legal, economic and institutional framework, adding that this is a significant milestone and it will change the trajectory of our nation’s economy.
He said: “Let me emphasize that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, as it will amount to injustice if the Federal government are not paying needed attention to the Artisanal Oil Refiners in the Southern part of the country.
“As Niger Deltans, we believe in action but promised never to go back to our past ways of militancy and pipeline vandalism”.
The association is pleading with the federal government through the Office of the SSA to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of petroleum, NNPC, NDDC, PTDF, NEITI, NOSDRA and other agencies of government to set up Presidential Committee to look into the activities and demands of the Artisanal Oil Refiners in the Niger Delta region.
They are also seeking approval for the establishment of Modular refineries of 10 units of One thousand barrels daily per Niger Delta state.
Earlier, the SSA said, his Office is engaging with stakeholders on the integration of Artisanal refinery operators into the mainstream petroleum refining in the country.
He noted that Nigeria has the capacity to produce the required petroleum products required in the country if the Artisanal Refinery Operators are giving the necessary backing.