Oando boosts infrastructural development despite falling oil prices

ENGAGING in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at this period of dwindling crude oil prices would be the last thing many companies would like to do, due to its effect on the bottom line.

But some companies, like Oando are not deterred from carrying out their responsibilities to the host communities.

In recent time, commuters, car owners, workers and residents alike have had to endure untold hardships as a result of the perennial traffic grid-lock in the Apapa-Ijora axis occasioned by high influx of container laden trucks in and out of the ports as well as petroleum tankers moving products from terminals to various parts of the country. This situation is further compounded by the terrible state of roads in that axis which has often resulted in numerous cases of fallen trucks.

This situation has not only brought about physical and emotional strain on individuals; but also loss of man-hours and reduced productivity within the workplace. The socio-economic impact cannot be over emphasized as most business owners have suffered huge losses due to low patronage.
Miscreants also take advantage of these chaotic situations to dispossess This situation has not only brought about physical and emotional strain on individuals; but also loss of man-hours and reduced productivity within the workplace. The socio-economic impact cannot be over emphasized as most business owners have suffered huge losses due to low patronage.

To alleviate this hydra-headed traffic situation, most organisations within the Apapa-Ijora access road, especially the Marine Beach Community have worked with a taskforce comprising the Navy and the Army to support the Government in instituting palliative measures that will aid the free flow of traffic within this axis.

One company that has taken steps to contribute its quota to resolving this challenge is Oando Plc, through its marketing subsidiary the leading fuels retailing and distribution Company moved its corporate office to its operational base within the Marine Beach community two years ago, decided to embark on an infrastructural development of its marshaling yard and the rehabilitation of a 250 metre long Sapara Road; an inner access road linking Kayode Street and Mobil Road as well as other adjoining streets as an intervention that not only ties in with the government’s efforts in easing the traffic congestion around the Ijora axis into Apapa metropolis, but also promotes sustainable development within its host community.

Speaking on this development as a demonstration of Oando Marketing’s good corporate citizenship, Abayomi Awobokun, CEO, Oando Downstream, said: “Apapa is one of the foremost, most developed part of Lagos, suffice to say that it is one of the best planned neighborhoods in Lagos, but it has suffered neglect and lost its beauty due to uncomplimentary practices. Oando is thus proud to take the lead in restoring Apapa to its beautiful state through investment in infrastructure that will complement her capacity.”

He further stressed that “Oando Marketing has invested over N1 billion on road rehabilitation within the last 12 months and will have invested well over $3 million on the marshaling yards and the road within the next two years.” This investment goes beyond infrastructure as more jobs will be provided for people in the community and improve the socio-economic status of their families.