Asharami Synergy, a leading Sahara Group Downstream Company has reiterated its commitment to promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels in the sector, working in collaboration with regulatory authorities and delivering exceptional fuel solutions responsibly.

Speaking at Asharami Synergy 2024 Customer Forum, Managing Director, Foluso Sobanjo said the company remained dedicated to spearheading the quest for environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s downstream operations across the sector’s value chain.

Sobanjo told the company’s customers that Asharami was delighted to serve as their preferred energy solutions provider, adding that Asharami had since commenced the supply of low sulphur fuels in line with the Afri-5 specifications prescribed by African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) and in compliance with the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 which limits the sulphur content in Gasoil/Diesel to 50ppm (parts per million).

“Given our track record of transparency, integrity, and service excellence in the sector, we are using this forum to keep our esteemed customers abreast of new developments in the sector, especially the switch to the AFRI-5 low-sulphur specification which makes diesel appear lighter. This does not reduce the quality or performance of the product as all parameters remain the same as specified by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON),” he said.

Also speaking at the forum, Engr. Oluwakayode Oyegoke, Head, Distribution System Storage Infrastructure, Lagos SW, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), reassured the public that the new directive would help reduce pollution and promote the well-being of Nigerians.

He stated: “The NMDPRA would like to commend Asharami Synergy for providing this platform to help create more awareness and educate the buying public about the new fuel specifications. The Authority would also like to assure all stakeholders that the products in circulation meet all requirements for safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. The industry is evolving, and we have to move with the world towards cleaner energy. Economically, the transition to low-Sulphur fuels can attract investment, create jobs, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.”

Head of Distribution System Storage Infrastructure at the Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engineer Oluwakayode Emmanuel Oyegoke emphasized its positive impact on public health and productivity. With reduced sulphur emissions, the environment becomes healthier, leading to fewer instances of illness and increased productivity among the populace.

Furthermore, Engineer Oyegoke stressed the regulatory requirement for all fuel products to meet the specified sulphur content, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the nation.

Also speaking at the forum, Alhaji Ismail Abodurin from El-Alan Construction Company shared insights from the customer's perspective. He commended Asharami Synergy for their efforts in introducing cleaner energy solutions and highlighted the positive impact of these products on both equipment lifespan and environmental emissions.

Abodurin emphasized the importance of emulating Asharami Synergy's example in promoting sustainability within the industry.

The partnership between Asharami Synergy, regulatory authorities, and customers underscores a collective effort towards achieving cleaner energy and sustainable development in Nigeria's downstream sector. As the industry evolves, such initiatives pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and reduced carbon emissions.

Chief Marketing Officer, Asharami Synergy, Adeoti Onabolu commended the company’s customers for their patronage, stating, “serving you is a privilege we hold dear, and your satisfaction is the ultimate success factor and motivation for us to diligently and unceasingly work towards bringing energy to your lives and businesses responsibly.”

Onabolu said Asharami leverages Sahara Group’s global footprint and strategic investments to deliver exceptional fuel solutions and expand its operations across sub-Saharan Africa.

She said Asharami Synergy’s vertically integrated downstream business encompasses the entire value chain from top quality product sourcing to the final sales to the end consumers. “We build, own, operate, maintain, and manage multiple storage facilities across several locations to the best international standards and manage an efficient, safe, and technology-driven logistics and supply operation via vessels, trucks, pipeline and rail to ensure product integrity and safety. Our International Standards Organisation (ISO) certifications reinforce Asharami’s distinctive mark of service excellence, quality, safety, innovation, and environmental sustainability,” she said.

Asharami Synergy’s ISO certifications include the Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015, Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS) ISO 45001:2018.

The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Adekanmi Adesola said Asharami commits to driving product quality and availability, competitive pricing, and service excellence as it continues to work with customers to co-create value responsibly.