The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), on Saturday, urged operators in the Nigerian downstream sector to ensure the automation of their services.

According to the association, their automated services will help generate data and improve product delivery storage utilisation and profitability.

Clement Isong, the chief executive officer of MOMAN, advised while speaking during a virtual workshop on World International Data Day on Saturday.

Mr Isong, who spoke on the importance of data and automation in the downstream business, said data on product demand for refined fuels and lubricants could streamline operations, and improve product delivery, and storage utilisation, among others.

He said, “Our position in MOMAN is that we are looking for the automation of the entire supply chain. It means everybody needs to invest in order to optimise their businesses.

“Eventually, the beneficiary is the customer. It is good for corporate governance. It removes people’s ability to steal.”

He said automation would also ensure transparency, and excellent customer service, eliminate fraud and corruption and boost the industry’s reputation.

The MOMAN boss urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to invest in infrastructure for data gathering.

“And the authority, NMDPRA, itself, has got to invest in infrastructure for data gathering and has got to do a preliminary analysis of that data.

“It has to put that information on its website, which investors, marketers, operators, and everybody can access.

“On that basis, optimise the business and make investment decisions. It is fundamental to a deregulated system.

“It improves the quality of decision-making as well as transparency and eliminates bad behaviour as well as fraud and theft.

“You have to shine your light and darkness, and bad practices will disappear. This is very important,” Mr lsong added.

(NAN)