With the listing of the company's shares at N2.50 per unit of 3.716 billion volume shares, investors in the securities market can now access investment in the company through the secondary market.

Founded in 1986, Beco Petroleum is an indigenous operator in the marine and the oil and gas sectors of the Nigerian economy.

At the end of transactions yesterday, the shares of the company gained 12 kobo at the Exchange to close at N2.62 kobo

Assistant Director-General of the NSE, Mr. Lance Musa Elakamma, explained at an interactive session with stakeholders that the coming of the petroleum marketing company to the Exchange at this material time is a sign of positive direction that the market has taken in recent times.

In his address, Managing Director of Beco Petroleum, Mr. Henry Mojekwu, said with the listing of the company's shares, needed liquidity would be realised to help return the stock market to further growth and profitability.

He said with over 22 years in operations of the company in both the downstream and upstream sub-sector of the economy, coupled with its quality services, it was able to grow its total asset from N425.9 million in 2008 to N4.04 billion in 2009.

With a successful private placement in 2008, Mojekwu noted that the company presently has over 15 service stations all over the country, adding that the company is currently developing new service station in the Northern part of the country, among others.

Making reference to its future plans, Mojekwu said the company plans to grow its total asset, profit after tax and total dividend.

"Our vision is to be a foremost integrated oil and gas , marine transportation and haulage services firm, using a combination of high flying human capital and state of the art technology to consistently exceed the expectations of customers and communities and create value for shareholders

"We dispense petroleum products through a chain of well managed 15 service stations located across the country," Mojekwu added.

The Guardian Newspapers, Friday October 9, 2009.