PETROAN visits Azikel Refinery, explores product offtake partnership

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has visited Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State to explore a structured product offtake partnership aimed at strengthening the supply of locally refined petroleum products to retail outlets across Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Mr Chris Odia and Dr Joseph Obele, Special Advisor Media and National PRO, PETROAN respectively, the PETROAN delegation, led by the National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, was received by the Chairman of Azikel Refinery, Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless, and members of the refinery’s management team.

The meeting focused on the development and operational plans of the refinery, as well as opportunities for stronger collaboration between Azikel Refinery and petroleum products retail outlets.

A major part of the discussions was the proposed offtake arrangement, under which PETROAN members would have access to petroleum products from the refinery, subject to mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational terms.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Gillis-Harry said PETROAN was committed to working with indigenous refineries to strengthen the downstream petroleum sector and improve access to locally refined products.

“The growth of domestic refining capacity presents an important opportunity for Nigeria. As retailers we want to build practical partnerships with indigenous refineries that can improve product availability, strengthen supply chains and create greater certainty for businesses and consumers,” he said.

He added that PETROAN’s engagement with Azikel Refinery was focused on developing a sustainable relationship that would benefit both the refinery and petroleum products retail outlets.

“Our objective is not simply to discuss offtake. We want to establish a dependable supply relationship that works commercially for the refinery and gives our members greater confidence in planning their businesses,” Dr. Gillis-Harry stated.

Responding, Dr. Eruani Azibapu welcomed the PETROAN delegation and emphasised the importance of building strategic relationships with petroleum products retail outlets as Azikel Refinery progresses with its operations.

The two parties agreed on the need for continued engagement to address the commercial and operational requirements of the proposed offtake arrangement.

The partnership discussions come amid growing efforts to expand domestic refining capacity and strengthen local petroleum products supply. For PETROAN, collaboration with indigenous refineries forms part of its broader engagement with stakeholders across the downstream petroleum value chain.

The Association said it would continue to engage with domestic refineries, government institutions and other industry stakeholders to promote a more efficient, competitive and sustainable petroleum products market in Nigeria.