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 Fuel Scarcity: IPMAN Blames Private Depot Owners

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Nigerians have continued to groan over the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as fuel in Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and other cities in Nigeria.

This is as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, disclosed that the private depot owners should be blamed for the ravaging fuel scarcity.

It is gathered that citizens now resort to buying fuel at a whopping black market price of N500-700/Per litre because of the unending fuel unavailability.

The situation, newsmen gathered, was heightened over the weekend in Lagos and some major cities of the country, such as Calabar, capital of Akwa Ibom, where pump price has risen to N500 per litre.

In Calabar city, black market sellers have taken advantage of the scarcity selling for up to N700 per litre.

For instance, a keg of 5 litres of petrol is sold for at least N2500 in Maryland and Ajah of the State during the weekend.

In Abuja, along the Kubwa Expressway, only two of the over seven filling stations were seen dispensing fuel.

It is learnt that some filling stations have stock but refused to dispense the product. But black market sellers were seen with fuel on major roads in Abuja.

The development has caused untold hardship to Nigerians as transport fares, and prices of goods and services have been hiked in some cities.

However, the situation worsened in the last two days as commuters have trekked the distance to their destination in Lagos and Calabar.

Mrs Linda Iheanacho, a resident of Calabar, stated that she bought fuel at the price of N500/per litre on Sunday after spending hours on queue.

Similarly, Okon Mfon disclosed that for the past 3 days, getting fuel has been hell for most residents of Lagos.

He said life has been difficult for commuters and motorists in Lagos and its environs due to fuel scarcity.

Similarly, Emeka Ogenyi stated that his major fear has been on getting fuel for days now.

“You have the money but you can’t get fuel without staying on the queue for hours. This problem has been reoccurring for months. I call on the relevant authority to do the needful and save Nigerians from the avoidable stress and difficulties”, he said.

Reacting to the development in a chat with journalists on Sunday, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, revealed that the Private Depot Owners are to be blamed for the scarcity.

He urged that the petrol distribution should be left in the hands of IPMAN, which will solve the issue of scarcity.

“There is enough product (fuel), but the distribution is the problem, it shouldn’t be left in the hands of private depot owners. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, should deal directly with product distribution.

“Private Depot owners are the ones putting the country in this problem. The moment they say the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, do the distribution directly, it will solve the problem and the price”, he said.

However, the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has said that it is working with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. to boost the distribution of petrol across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of MOMAN, Mr Clement Isong said this in an interview with journalists during the weekend in a bid to address the current scarcity of petrol and long queues at filling stations.

Isong said the association had had a daily logistic emergency meeting with the downstream management of NNPCL on improving the supply of petrol.

He explained that the collaboration with NNPCL will enhance the distribution of petroleum products in the country.

“We are doing depot-to-depot check-in and check-out to enhance efficiency, and also have logistic supply meetings with NNPCL.

“There is also collaboration among our members to cushion supply to various MOMAN’s stations”, he stated.

 

 

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Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.

This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.

ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide

He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”

Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.

“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.

Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”

He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.

“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.

VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.

 

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Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians

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Ademola Adeleke Becomes Sixth Executive Governor of Osun State

 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.

Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.

He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.

ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians

While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.

In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.

“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.

“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”

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Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians

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Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.

This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.

According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.

He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.

ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide

In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.

“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”

The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.

He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.

To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.

He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.

The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.

“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.

While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.

“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.

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