By Auwal Mohammed,
Gombe (Nigeria) — Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Gombe northeast of the country has embarked on campaign on commencement of online registration and renewal of licenses to petroleum marketers, which starts in October.
The Zonal Operations Controller North-East Zone, Ali Idris Zoaka, disclosed Thursday, while speaking with Journalists in Gombe, saying, the purpose of the sensitization was to afford both the independent and major marketers the opportunity to brace-up themselves for online operations that will begin by October this year.
“We are going into the computer way of doing things, and it makes it easier, simple and shortens the time for the processing of applications. As long as one can go into the system and fill his information correct, it takes little time for us to make contact with the companies, and then go to the locations through the examination we have conducted. The applicant then gets the license quicker; they can even print out their licenses”.
He said that the manual operations may still continue beyond October, considering the short time that some marketers may have, to get acquainted with the technical process in the online operations.
Also speaking Gombe State Operations Controller, Abdullahi Abawa said many marketers in the State had exhibited shyness or ignorance in the process of the registration, hence the need for the sensitization.
He explained that some marketers are shy to approach the DPR on issues saying, “There is no need to be suspicious or develop cold feet, and DPR is free, friendly and always ready to assist”.
The marketers were also re-awakened on some observed lapses in their filling stations from the point of delivery, sanitation, under-dispensing of products to customers, as well as diversion among many others.
They were also taken through safety tips during dispensing of PMS.
Some of the major and independent marketers, who spoke to Journalists over the new development, welcomed it and promised to ensure compliance with the new process.
According to Chairman of the Major Marketers Association in the State, Mahmud Abdulfatah, many of his members are already compliant.