Nigerian petroleum industry has consistently been turbulent due to the dependence abroad for refined petroleum products
Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has promised that the federal government would not allow another disruption in the supply of petroleum products like the current one caused by the importation of bad fuel into the country.
A statement by Horatius Egua, Senior Adviser, Media & Communications, to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, says the contract for the rehabilitation of all the refineries, also known as Turnaround Maintenace (TAM), have been awarded to ensure local refining of petroleum products, in addition to the acquisition of stakes in the Dangote refinery.
The statement reads.
“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.
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“This is regrettable, and the Federal Government sympathizes with the citizenry over the unforeseen hardship, occasioned by the inevitable scarcity. Let me once again appeal to Nigerians to be patient with government in finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
“We appreciate the NNPC for showing so much concern to the plight of Nigerians by coming forward with an apology. This is unprecedented and shows that we on the government side are not afraid to take responsibility. The Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has been out on the streets, filling station by filling station to ensure that the situation normalizes quickly and we are beginning to see the fruits of their efforts.
“This is a time that calls for collective action to save a situation that was not foreseen. It is not a time to trade blames as is customary in Nigeria. It is therefore not a time to query anyone but a time to come together to salvage the plight of the average Nigerian.
“After the storm settles there will be time enough to investigate and get to the bottom, so that this does not repeat itself.
“Mr. President’s charge to all parties and agencies concerned is to work together to ensure that normalcy returns quickly. The Nigerian people deserve the best and President Muhammadu Buhari’s government is determined to set the country on the right path of petroleum products availability and sustainability, as demonstrated in the award of the contracts for the rehabilitation of all our refineries and the acquisition of stake in the Dangote Refinery.
“Let us as Nigerians stand shoulder to shoulder in our shared quest for a greater country.”