MEMBERS of Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN) has called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the PIB bill in the interest of Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

The Chairman of ASABA chapter of PEDAN, Comrade Jerry Ojie made the call while speaking at the annual end of year party of the association in Asaba, Delta State.

According to him members of PEDAN in particular will benefit a lot with the passage of PIB bill, noting that members of the association are in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to expedite action on the improvement of the power sector and it is very important that the PIB which is still before the National Assembly is passed into law,” he said, reiterating, “the downstream oil sector, the petrol stations should be given its rightful place in the economy.”

While commending Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration for credible performance, the PEDAN Chairman decried double taxation as a result and urged government “to constitute a joint task force to combat illegal revenue in the state.”

“We want government to provide a tanker park in Asaba to avoid embarrassing our members for parking along the highways, roads within the metropolis,” he added.

Comrade Ojie used the occasion to call for more partnership between PEDAN and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the NUPENG, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Environment, Local Government Councils and Environmental Health Officers, adding that security operatives should also speed up their activities to curb crime in the society.

He stated, “the Police should up the ante in combating the wave of violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder and kidnapping which are becoming the order of the day.” 

The Head of Department of Environmental Health Department, Mr Henry Obi informed members of PEDAN that health officers’s activities are backed by law, but, emphasized that it was important for people to keep their business premises and homes clean.

While calling for beautification of premises, Mr Obi also stated that it was important for premises to be fumigated regularly by qualified and accredited experts.

The occasion featured contributions on the way forward for the association.