Fuel Scarcity: Buhari gives marching orders to NNPC, others -

Following the persistent fuel scarcity, that has crippled economic activities in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has given marching orders to all parties and agencies in the distribution chain; to ensure that normalcy is restored immediately.

Nigerians facing hardship

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said the President was worried about the hardship occasioned by the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS); even as he appealed for patience in finding lasting solutions to the problem.

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“In the last weeks, Nigerians have grappled with fuel scarcity; not because of the absence of supply of products but; due to inspection failure, which allowed adulterated products into the country.“This is regrettable, and the Federal Government sympathizes with the citizenry over the unforeseen hardship; occasioned by the scarcity.“Let me once again appeal to Nigerians to be patient with the government in finding lasting solutions to the crisis.”He, however, appreciated the NNPC for showing concern to the plight of Nigerians by coming forward with an apology.“This is unprecedented, and showed that the government is not afraid to take responsibility”.

Furthermore, he said the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had been out on the streets; fuel stations, to ensure that the situation normalized quickly; adding that the efforts are yielding results.

“It is not a time to trade blames; nor a time to query anyone; but a time to come together to salvage the plight of the average Nigerian.

Rehabilitation of Refineries

“After the storm settles, there will be time enough to investigate and get to the bottom; so that this does not repeat itself.

“The Nigerian people deserve the best, and the government is determined to set the country on the right path of petroleum products availability and sustainability”.

This, he stressed, was demonstrated in the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of all refineries; and the acquisition of a stake in the Dangote Refinery.