Date: 2017-05-08

The Kwara State Engine Lubricant Dealers (E.L.D), a branch of NUPENG has solicited for soft loans from the state government in order to expand scope of businesses.

The state Chairman of the Association, Comrade Jimoh Olusola Imam while fielding questions from Pilot Business recently, said the economic recession is taking toll on investments of members.

He said, "We are finding things difficult amidst the recession as the prices of lubricant oil have risen unexpectedly. Some of our members are running at a loss and businesses are collapsing.

"We have approached the state Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives to assist us with loans and we were asked to form cooperative societies and this we have done and followed due process," he explained.

Imam appealed to tbe state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed administration to extend his administration loan disbursement scheme to members of the association. He stated that the association is working assiduously in collaboration with government agencies to curb activities of illegal blenders in the state. He said, " We have a disciplinary committee that monitors activities of all lubricant dealers in the state. Our branches across the 16 local government councils assist us with necessary information. "

The chairman advised members of the public to always patronise registered members and products that have Standard Organization of Nigeria registration trademark, urging them to report any case of fake product to security agencies. When contacted, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Alhaji Ahmed Rifun confirmed that the association has submitted its proposal seeking loan, saying that the ministry is processing it.

He said, "The association has registered with us seeking for loans few years ago and their demands is undergoing the ministry procedures. " The commissioner disclosed that the state government is committed to supporting Small and Medium scale Enterprises.