NMDPRA, NNPC, NARTO, others collaborate on 21 road projects, efficient fuel distribution nationwide

*The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it has updated stakeholders on status of the road construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme, and they all agreed to collaborate on ensuring efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has provided updates on the current status of the road construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the Company, in a joint communiqué issued after a stakeholder engagement at a the NNPC Tower, in Abuja, FCT, Thursday, February 17, 2022, said it assured assured the stakeholders, including NUPENG, NARTO and PTD, that the funding earmarked for the 21 critical roads would be applied for the intended purpose only.

The statement titled, ‘Communiqué On Critical Stakeholders’ Engagement Between NARTO, PTD, NUPENG, NMDPRA and NNPC Limited’, was signed by  Otunba S. A. Oladiti, National Chairman PTD; Mr. Yusuf Otthman, NARTO President; Comrade Williams Akporeha, NUPENG President; Abiodun Adeniji, ED F&A, NMDPRA; and Malam Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Managing Director and CEO of NNPC Limited.

The NNPC said following the engagement between NMDPRA, NNPC, PTD, NARTO and NUPENG, the parties resolved that on road rehabilitation, it provided updates on the current status of the road construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme, and assured the stakeholders that the funding set aside for the 21 critical roads would be used for only the intended purpose.

According to the national oil firm, in order to allay the fears of the stakeholders, NNPC and all parties commit to working together in the monitoring of the road projects across the country.

In regard to the review of freight rate for transporters, the NNPC noted that the stakeholders requested completion of the ongoing discussion on the review of the freight rates to cover operational costs and highlighted the precarious situation that truck owners face in the light of current economic realities.

“NMDPRA informed the meeting that a committee has been constituted to review the rates which includes PTD, NARTO and NUPENG in addition to other stakeholders.

“All parties agreed to work expeditiously towards concluding the review of the freight rate and make recommendations to the government.

“The Authority to advise on definite close-out date during the week of 21st February, 2022,” stated the communiqué.

Likewise on the need for collaboration on ensuring nationwide availability of petroleum products in view of the current fuel scarcity with the attendant socio-economic disruptions caused by the methanol-blended petrol imports, the NNPC said all the parties agreed to work closely so as to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.