Apparently disturbed by the harsh condition the lingering fuel scarcity has imposed on Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas today, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed regret over the unfortunate situation.
This year’s Christmas celebrations to mark the birth of Jesus Christ is a mix grill of excitement and despair, with many Nigerians marking the day at filling stations where they have been languishing on queues to buy fuel for their vehicles.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources that fuel queues will soon disappear, the situation has continued unabated, leaving commuters and motorists stranded.
A cross section of Nigerians had criticised the president for keeping silent since the fuel scarcity started.
According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, But President Buhari yesterday sought understanding from Nigerians, even as he ordered a clampdown on hoarding of petrol at filling stations across the country.
In a statement personally signed by the president, which was posted on his verified twitter handle, Buhari said the scarcity was regrettable.
He disclosed that he was being briefed regularly on the matter, assuring that the NNPC was on top of the situation.
He said, “The fuel scarcity being experienced nationwide is regrettable. I sympathize with all Nigerians on having to endure needless fuel queues. I’m being regularly briefed, especially on the NNPC’s interventions to ensure that there is enough petrol available during this period & beyond.
“I have the NNPC’s assurance that the situation will improve significantly over the next few days, as new shipments and supplies are distributed across the country.
Noting that he has ordered that fuel hoarding at petrol stations be curbed, the president said, “I have also directed the regulators to step up their surveillance and bring an end to hoarding and price inflation by marketers.
“Let me also assure that the relevant agencies will continue to provide updates on the situation. I thank you all for your patience and understanding”.
