Posted by By CHIDI NNADI on
Determined to launch itself back to prime position in the downstream oil industry, African Petroleum (AP) Plc has sunk over N106 million to strengthen its hold in the aviation industry.
Determined to launch itself back to prime position in the downstream oil industry, African Petroleum (AP) Plc has sunk over N106 million to strengthen its hold in the aviation industry.
So far, the company has committed N72 million to buy two bowsers. Also, it bought hydrant dispenser, which gulped N34 million, besides the reconstruction of its ultra-modern office at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the commissioning of the AP aviation office and aircraft refueller facilities on Tuesday, in Lagos, AP chairman, Mr Ben A. Osuno, disclosed that the campany had bought the customised aircraft refuellers to enhance its ability to refuel more aircraft at the same time.
'Yes, we have rebuilt our aviation office, but that alone will not ensure efficient refuelling of aircraft," he confessed.
He said that before the company embarked on the reconstruction of the office, it upgraded its depot facilities in line with international standards stipulated in order to meet all health, safety and environmental requirements for aircraft fuelling operations.
'We have also embarked on the construction of an additional one million litres storage facility to enhance our ability to meet the anticipated increase in demand of our products from the aviation industry," he said.
Osuno said that with the new attention being paid to the aviation industry, his company was fulfilling its promise to the public as a social responsible corporate entity.
His words: 'Air transportation is certainly essential in a country like ours, with its large population and extensive geographical spread. This is, therefore, part of our contribution to safety and ease of air transportation in this country, and enhancement of tourism.
'If foreigners are assured that they will not be stranded in Nigeria nor have their flight schedules disrupted because of lack of suitable fuel, or delays in refueling of their aircraft, they will not hesitate to come."
The chairman regretted the company's painful experience in the past, during which many of its facilities suffered some neglect, leading to the drop in efficiency and quality of services to its customers.
He expressed happiness that some of the company's customers stood by it, an action he said encouraged it to embark on major structural changes and outlook, promising that the new AP would 'do whatever it takes to ensure that we not only meet their expectations, but also to exceed it on the quality and efficiency of our services to them."
Also speaking, the executive director, finance, and acting managing director of AP, Mr Zira Maigadi, said the commissioning was the outcome of the strategic refocusing of the company's entire business, particularly the aviation sub-sector, which was embarked upon less than a year ago.
Maigadi also disclosed that the launch of the aviation facilities was the first phase of the company's turn around programme in the aviation industry, saying, 'our bowsers and refuellers are the latest technology available in the country today."
He stated that the turn around programme was not limited to their aviation business as they have also embarked on other projects that cut across their other business lines such as the renovation and upgrading of their retail outlets, lubricant blending and packaging plant, among others.