The Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has warned oil marketers to address cases of fraudulent activities among some operators in the industry.
Lokpobiri disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria in Abuja.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, the minister identified metre adjustments and under-dispensing as some of the sharp practices among operators.
While acknowledging the importance of the upstream sector for the nation’s petroleum industry’s advancement, Lokpobiri maintained that the downstream sector’s significance should also be recognised.
He explained, “We are ensuring a favourable business environment for the players, having implemented relevant policies for ease of doing business.”
He commended the marketers for what he called “their unwavering dedication to driving the downstream petroleum market and serving the interests of Nigerians”.
He added, “I underscored the pivotal role they (MEMAN) play in our nation’s energy landscape and emphasised the importance of continuing collaboration with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria’s advancement.
“In my call for their continued support towards enhancing sustainable production and ensuring energy accessibility for all Nigerians, I emphasised the importance of addressing fraudulent activities by some industry operators, such as metre adjustments and under-dispensing.
“We must continue to foster equitable opportunities and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships.”
