To curb the incidence of adulterated lubricants in the industry, stakeholders in the downstream segment of the oil and gas sector have called on the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to explore stricter sanctions that will serve as deterrent to the sellers of the products.
The Managing Director, A-Z Petrochemicals, Mr. Linus Ilozue and the Managing Director, LUBCON Nigeria Limited, Mr. Taiye Williams lamented the adverse effects of fake lubricants on the industry and revenue that ought to have come to the government.
They said modalities should be fashioned out by stakeholders in the oil and gas, manufacturing, and other sectors that have crucial roles to play in order to have a safe, healthy and friendly economic environment in the country.
Ilozue said more regulatory policies should be put in place to discourage adulterated lubricants from entering the country.
He argued that the absence of SON at the ports when these products berth remains the biggest constraint to eradicating sub-standard products in the country.
He said: “The issue surrounding the illegal growth of irregular and substandard products in the market is linked to the less supervisory role of SON due to its eviction at the port where these products are supposed to be supervised.
“For us, the regulators have a lot to do in ensuring that fake lubricants and base oil is reduced to the barest minimum in the county.”
He also said that there has been a general preference for imported products over locally- made products. “The inability for the country to appreciate our local products has paved way for sub-standard products to come into the market.”
Williams said the last time the country refined base oil was 1995, stressing that the activities of individual s who adulterated engine oil and other lubricants is killing business.
According to him, the issue of fake product is affecting the sale of lubricants, adding that users are doubting the efficacy of lubricants which licensed operators are producing in the country.
“The country has remained in mute over refining of base oil. Kaduna refinery is supposed to be refining these products but it had last recorded refining base oil in 1995.
“We urge the government to come to our aid by ensuring these products are produced in the country, as it will generate more revenue for the economy and kick away fake products off the market.
“Also, there is need to ensure a favourable environment for quality products to grow. There is need for stricter policies to discourage importation of these fake products to the country,” he added. They spoke during the 2015 Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Expo.