Stakeholders in the oil sector have called on the Federal Government to tackle the issue of multiple taxation in the country as well as fixing the road saying the twin-problem are responsible for the high cost of living Nigerians are currently passing through.
The stakeholders, under the aegis of the National Oil and Gas Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), said multiple taxation has a multiplier effect in the oil chain distribution and is a source of worry for oil marketers.
Tribune Online reports that NOGASA is a premier organisation of legitimate, organised and proficient suppliers, stakeholders and practitioners in the nation’s oil and gas sector distribution service chain and offers a comprehensive, mutually benefiting interactive and informative network for bonafide suppliers, marketers, distributors and other related enterprises in the sector’s business environment.
Briefing the press in Abuja on Wednesday, NOGASA national President, Benneth Korie, said it is high time the government addressed the issue of excessive taxation by government at all levels in order to create a fairer business environment for Nigerians.
Korie, who spoke on the need to ensure adequate adequate access to and availability of refined petroleum products, focus on the agricultural sector, improving transportation network among others, called for a competitive environment that will drive healthy circulation of petroleum products among government, private and modular refineries owners to boost Nigeria’s economy and the naira.
The NOGASA President specifically thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving the directives that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) provides crude oil to Dangote Refinery in naira.
While urging the government to expedite action to see that the Port Harcourt Refinery commences operations in September to alleviate current shortages and ensure that products are distributed among the stakeholders, Korie said Dangote’s refined products should be made available to a broader range of stakeholders, including NNPC Trading, NNPC Retail, DAPPMAN, MOMAN, IPMAN, PETROAN, and NOGASA to ensure a balanced distribution saying the inclusivity will facilitate sustainable and widespread distribution across the country.
“I find it absolutely to address you on some pressing issues that significantly impact our industry and the Nigerian economy at large. Summarily, these issues centre on the critical need for concerted actions at ensuring adequate access to and availability of refined petroleum products, addressing the challenges of smuggling, enhancing our agricultural sector, improving our transportation network, and tackling multiple taxation. Multiple taxation remains a critical concern and excessive and double taxation by various government levels must be addressed to create a fairer business environment.
“Firstly, regarding refined products, we must foster a competitive environment to ensure the healthy circulation of petroleum products, and to this end I commend Aliko Dangote for his monumental contribution to our industry through the establishment of the largest refinery in Nigeria. This development promises substantial benefits, including enhanced supply, increased competition, and a bolstering of our national economy and currency.
“To ensure a balanced distribution, I urge that Dangote’s refined products be made available to a broader range of stakeholders, including NNPC Trading, NNPC Retail, DAPPMAN, MOMAN, IPMAN, PETROAN, and NOGASA. This inclusivity will facilitate sustainable and widespread distribution across the country.
“Furthermore, the Federal Government should expedite the commencement of the Port Harcourt refinery slated for September. This will help alleviate current shortages and ensure that products are distributed among the same stakeholders. I also want to express our support for Mr President’s directive to sell crude oil in Naira. We hope that our refineries will reciprocate by selling refined products in Naira, thus stabilizing the market.
“On the issue of smuggling, we need to redesign distribution channels to prevent illegal exportation of petroleum products. Strengthening our security agencies, especially at border points, with necessary equipment and support is crucial. Additionally, providing logistics and drones for surveillance will help combat smuggling and theft effectively. We cannot have crude oil and refineries in Nigeria and still be suffering. We should not experience fuel scarcity again.
“Turning to inflation and economic stability, agriculture must be prioritised. To address public apprehension over rising costs, the government should make farming more attractive and profitable by subsidising agricultural inputs and equipment.
“Reliance on unsustainable palliatives is not the solution. Instead, increasing budget allocations for agriculture and encouraging cluster farming will significantly boost food production.
Extension workers should also be deployed to educate farmers on modern techniques such as irrigation and fumigation.
“It is necessary to reiterate that improving our transportation network is also very essential. Indeed, expanding and revamping railways, especially for bulk cargo, will enhance logistics, and adequate attention must be given to road networks, with prompt payments to contractors and prioritization of emergency repairs. Our joint efforts and timely actions in these areas will pave the way for a more stable and prosperous industry,” the NOGASA President said.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then