Dr. Nya Asuquo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) in the South South region, has pledged to leverage the resources and influence of the organization to lower petrol pump prices before the year's end.
Asuquo made this commitment during a press conference on Tuesday, following the inauguration of ADITOP’s state branch in Calabar. He emphasized the association’s determination to create alternative solutions for the distribution and transportation of petroleum products nationwide.
The BOT Chairman revealed that ADITOP has developed strategies aimed at reducing the landing costs of petroleum products at retail outlets across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. He criticized the monopolistic control of the oil sector by certain groups, which he claims frequently resort to strikes without providing tangible benefits for their members or the general public.
Expressing support for the Tinubu administration's implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Asuquo reiterated ADITOP's commitment to aid in the effective execution of the legislation, which aims to reform the oil sector.
“ADITOP was established in 2012 to mitigate the negative impacts of frequent strikes on Nigerian citizens. We are dedicated to offering innovative, human-centric approaches that can significantly decrease the costs associated with the downstream oil distribution value chain,” he explained.
Refuting claims that ADITOP intends to compete against existing unions in the oil industry, Asuquo remarked, “Such insinuations are unfounded and petty. The oil industry's potential is vast enough for all players to coexist without conflict. We are collaborating towards a better economic future for Nigeria.”
Mr. Ekpenyong Ayi, the state chairman of ADITOP, reaffirmed the association's commitment to the oil industry, noting its readiness to collaborate with other organizations in the petroleum value chain to effectively reduce fuel prices for the benefit of consumers.
