The Gombe Operations office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Thursday conducted a sensitization workshop for all marketers over the commencement of its online operations by October this year.The Zonal Operations Controller in charge of North-East zone, Ali Idris Zoaka said the aim of the workshop is to sensitize both the independent and major marketers on the need to update themselves for online operations that will begin by October this year.
He said if implemented, the process of applying, registering and renewing of licenses by marketers will be made in a simple way and also lessen the long time spent in the procedures.
According to him, “we are going into the computer way of doing things, and it makes it easier, simpler and shortens the time for the processing of applications. As long as one can go into the system and fill his information correctly, 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 however said 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.
Earlier, during the opening ceremony, the Gombe Operations Controller, Abdullahi Abawa noted that many marketers in the State had exhibited shyness in or ignorance of 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, DPR is free, friendly and always ready to assist”.
The marketers were also re-awakened to 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 issues. They were also taken through safety tips during dispensing of PMS.
Some of the major and independent marketers, who spoke to reporters over the new development, welcomed it and promised to ensure compliance with the new process. According to the Chairman of the Major Marketers Association in the State, Mahmud Abdulfatah, many of his members are already compliant.
