The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru has commended Osun State for not recording any incidence of pipeline vandalism.
Baru gave the commendation in a statement issued by the NNPC Spokesman, Mr Ndu Ughamadu in Abuja on Saturday.
According to Baru, NNPC has over time enjoyed tremendous support from Osun State, which hosts the corporation’s System 2B pipeline segments connecting Mosimi Depot with Ibadan, Ore and Ilorin depots.
“I am happy to inform you that over the years, we hardly record any incident of pipeline vandalism or security breach along our System 2B pipeline network that cuts across Osun State.
“This is attributable to the efforts of the state government and the law-abiding people of the state,’’ he said.
He also commended the state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola for his “patriotic support’’ during the recent fuel challenges and the subsequent set up of a Special State Taskforce to monitor fuel distribution within and across the state.
This, he said, cushioned the effects of the fuel scarcity in the state.
Baru also said the corporation was working assiduously to expand its network of retail stations nationwide.
He said talks on collaboration between the corporation and the state government on establishment of state-of-the-art retail filling station that would improve the supply and distribution of petroleum products in the state and environs had reached advanced stage.
According to him, Osun State government has completed a modern 26-nozzle retail station and is planning to lease it out to the corporation.
“Our strategy for the NNPC Retail is to capture as much of the downstream retail market in the country as possible.
“A state like Osun is very central to our expansion drive. Having looked at the possibilities, we are committed to taking the discussions further.
“We have reached advanced stage in our discussions.
“Next week, we are expected to have further discussions on commercial terms of offer with the state government’s team,’’ Baru added.
He explained that the partnership would not only expand the downstream fuel distribution and retail in the state, it would also ensure adequate products availability as well as improve commercial return on investment. (NAN)
