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Tag: MEMAN

  • Deregulation is essential for efficiency, economic growth, says MEMAN

    Deregulation is essential for efficiency, economic growth, says MEMAN

    The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), yesterday said the transition from a state-controlled system to a competitive, deregulated market is essential for fostering efficiency, transparency and long-term economic growth both in the oil and gas sector and the overall economy. The Association also affirmed that the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 remains firmly on track.

    MEMAN, in a communique issued at the end of its first quarter (Q1 2025) press training and engagement held in Lagos, yesterday, and signed by its Chief Executive, Clement Isong, the body noted that while ongoing debates and discussions are expected in the fast evolving oil and gas market in the country, such discussion, it said, should be encouraged as part of the natural evolution of a market-driven energy sector. The event had as its theme: “Refinery Basics, Gasoline Pricing & Trade Flows in Nigeria.”

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    Isong however noted that the transition requires patience, adaptation, and trust. He noted that “as the market stabilises, challenges will arise, and resistance from those accustomed to price control is inevitable.”

    “But with robust regulation, industry collaboration, and public transparency, Nigeria can fully realise the benefits of this transformation.

    A well-functioning, deregulated market will attract more investment, improve efficiency, and create a more competitive landscape that benefits both businesses and consumers,” he said.

    The MEMAN boss assured that as key industry stakeholders, the association strongly supports the role of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in ensuring a fair, competitive, and well-regulated marketplace, reiterating that it is imperative that their efforts remain focused on market stability, consumer protection and building public confidence in the reform process.

  • MEMAN warns on compromising lubricants’ quality

    MEMAN warns on compromising lubricants’ quality

    The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has warned that lubricant must not be compromised with counterfeit products, adding it could endanger it. The group stated this during its quarterly press engagement on ‘Lubricant Counterfeiting and Mitigations’ and ‘Supply Diversity and Competition’ which held virtually.

    The Chairman, Lubricant Committee, MEMAN/Manager, Commercial Lubricant Sales and Field Engineering Services Plc, Steve Ezendiokwere, while explaining the usefulness of lubricant on vehicles, trucks and heavy machineries including its importance, disclosed that local mechanics had been trained and enlightened on the use of genuine lubricant and how counterfeit could be detected including measures to avert it.

    He, therefore, advised vehicle owners and mechanics to destroy used empty cans which could be bought by unscrupulous people to refill counterfeited products and re-sell to unsuspected users with the original lubricant cans.

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    The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, on his own part, harped on why genuine lubricants should be used by vehicle owners, adding it gives longevity and durability to the engines. According to Isong, it is a culture that must be adopted to keep engine in sound condition.

    However, stringent quality assurance measures are essential to address the prevalence of counterfeit lubricants. Collaboration with stakeholders, enhanced monitoring, and stronger regulation are necessary to ensure rigorous quality control through regular inspections and certifications.

    Isong said a public awareness campaign was necessary to educate consumers on the dangers of counterfeit lubricants and promote verified products recommending partnership with law enforcement to prosecute counterfeiters and implementing stricter penalties are also crucial. Again, leveraging advanced technologies for tracking and authenticating genuine products and encouraging innovative solutions to detect and prevent counterfeiting will further strengthen these efforts.

  • NARTO notifies NMDPRA, DSS, MEMAN on withdrawal of operations today

    NARTO notifies NMDPRA, DSS, MEMAN on withdrawal of operations today

    • IPMAN to meet transport union

    The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has notified the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) on its plan to suspend operations today.

    The Nation learnt that the union’s notice was contained in a document, titled: “Notice of withdrawal of operations,” which our correspondent sighted yesterday in Abuja.

    NARTO National President Yusuf Lawal Othman, who signed the letter, premised the suspension of operation on operational cost in the industry.

    He said: “We are deeply constrained to seek the support and understanding of your union and members towards the excruciating challenges petroleum trucks owners are facing with the high operational costs in the industry.”

    Othman said the association had made several efforts to negotiate appropriate freight rates with the MEMAN to no avail.

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    The NARTO national president explained that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) had directed members to park their trucks.

    He said: “As you are already aware of several efforts we have made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rates for our operations from all conceivable authorities concerned in the industry, most especially the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria but which have received no positive responses from them, we have no other options but to write to inform you that the NARTO NEC has resolved to direct all our members not to make their petroleum trucks available for petroleum products loading activities with effect from Monday, February 19, 2024.”

    Othman added: “In the light of this directive, we implore all our employees (petroleum truck drivers), who are your members, to show maximum cooperation, support and understanding to our collective efforts for continued sustainability of the petroleum haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance.

    “There is definitely no way we can continue in this business within the context of the current economic situation in the country.”

    Also, in a bid to stop the looming scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) has promised to meet today with the NARTO.

    IPMAN National President Abubakar Maigandi announced this while speaking on phone with The Nation yesterday.

    The union leader said the Federal Government had not invited the members on the issue.

    He said: “If they (NARTO) stops loading, we will not be able to load. That is the problem.

    “Tomorrow (Monday), we are going to reach out to them to discuss. We will hold a meeting with them. May be tomorrow the Federal Government will invite the stakeholders.”

    The Chief Communication Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Olufemi Soneye, who The Nation asked what the company was doing to avert the situation, simply said: “I will call you.”

    But he did return the call yesterday.