DPR urges lubricant producers to explore export options

Mr Auwalu Sarki, Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has enjoined lubricant producers in the country to look beyond the shores of Nigeria and target the export market in the distribution of their products.

A statement signed by Mr Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs, DPR on Wednesday in Lagos, said Sarki gave the charge when he hosted members of the Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN) in a virtual meeting recently.

Sarki noted that members of LUPAN had the capacity and resources to produce for exports, as was done in the past.

He assured the members that DPR would provide adequate support through its robust regulatory framework to enable them to achieve the mandate. The DPR boss stated that the value created by LUPAN to the Nigerian economy was immeasurable.

According to him, the DPR, as the regulator of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, places high premium on its relationship with the association as partners in the realisation of government’s aspiration for the sector.

He advised LUPAN to see DPR as a business enabler that is always ready to ensure investment success and sustainability for all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. Sarki also emphasized the need for better strategic partnership and continuous collaboration between DPR and LUPAN.

He reiterated that DPR was working with relevant government agencies to check the influx of sub-standard lubricants into the country and that solution would soon be provided for LUPAN members. The DPR boss informed the members that the department would soon begin the implementation of a digital solution, using the short code messaging system to check for adulterated lubricants in the country.

On his part, the President of LUPAN, Alhaji Mustapha Adio, said that the association would continue to partner DPR for the development of the lubricant market in Nigeria. He also commended the positive interventions of DPR in the creation of enabling business environment for its members.

Meanwhile, the DPR zonal office in Bauchi has cautioned retailers against the circulation of substandard Base Oil (Lubricant) products. Mr. Abdullahi Iliyasu, the Operations Controller, gave the charge in an interview, on Friday in Bauchi.

Illiyasu said the Department had organised a two-day sensitisation workshop to create awareness on the dangers of using unprocessed lubricant (engine oil) in vehicles and other machines.

He said that the workshop targeted marketers of Base oil products to educate them on dangers associated with using such substandard products. “Unprocessed and substandard Lubricant (engine oil) cause damage to the engines of movable and unmovable machines such as cars, lorries, and power generators as it does not contain the necessary ingredients of processed oil.

“The usage of unprocessed engine oil constitutes a serious health hazard and contaminate the environment,” he said.

Iliyasu called on retailers and dealers of such products to obtain business licenses and adhere to set standards. He advised marketers to source the products from the certified lubricating plants such as Oando, Total, and Amasco Companies, stressing that their products were of good quality.

SOURCE: Agency Report