The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced the implementation of the Federal Government directive to facilitate the sale of crude oil and petroleum products in Naira, with the initial focus on serving the Dangote Refinery.

The Managing Director, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during an inter-agency stakeholders meeting yesterday, said the authority is coordinating services from regulatory, security and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of this national initiative.

Dantsoho announced the establishment of a “One-Stop-Shop” (OSS) at the NPA headquarters in Lagos, which will centralise operations related to the sale and distribution of petroleum products.

He said the OSS will serve as a coordination hub, bringing together various agencies to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

“We are poised to collaborate and provide the efficiencies necessary to deliver on this national imperative of ensuring the availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products,” Dantsoho said.

He emphasised that the NPA’s role is crucial in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Federal Government’s initiative.

According to him, the OSS initiative is a collaborative effort involving representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, NNPC Limited, the Dangote Group, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said the focal person for the project is Ms. Maureen Ogbonna, a senior official from NPA’s Marine and Operations Directorate.

He said the move to facilitate the sale of petroleum products in Naira comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen the nation’s energy sector and enhance the local economy.

“The partnership with the Dangote Refinery, one of the largest in Africa, is expected to significantly improve the availability of petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), within Nigeria.

“The OSS framework is designed to simplify service provision from regulatory and security agencies, ensuring compliance with government policies while enhancing operational efficiency.”