President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday told the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to expose those involved in illegal smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
The president said the issue is a threat to the nation’s economy and security, hence must be stopped.
Buhari further commended IPMAN for the significant support and contributions in ensuring Nigerians had adequate supply of petroleum products throughout 2018.
The president said this during IPMAN courtesy visit to the presidential villa on Friday, NAN reports.
“I am told that your members, in many instances, went beyond the call of duty to support the NNPC and other government agencies in ensuring products are adequately available for our citizens especially during the festive seasons.
“I am also very pleased to hear that your members are planning to invest in refinery and petrochemical facilities.
“This clearly shows that IPMAN, like the APC, also has plans to move to the NEXT LEVEL.
“I want to assure you that this administration will fully support this investment which aligns with Nigeria’s Energy Security Agenda.
“As I commend you on the successes you have recorded so far, I also want to ask that you continue to support the government in ensuring petroleum products meant for Nigeria are not illegally taken out of Nigeria.
“We all know this illegal smuggling of products out of Nigeria is a threat to our national economy and security and must be stopped. I, therefore, want to urge all IPMAN members to remain committed to complying with the laws and regulations that govern the Nigerian oil and gas sector,’’ he said.
The president also urged the IPMAN leadership to fully collaborate with the Federal Government by exposing those members who participated in illegal activities.
He commended the association for the support and confidence it had shown to his administration and pledged to continue doing his best to move Nigeria forward.
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