THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the current fuel supply disruptions in some parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to a hitch in the discharge operations of some vessels.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the national oil company, Olufemi Soneye, explained that the situation was being addressed in a statement on Saturday, July 27.
He assured that the company was working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the challenge and restore normalcy in operations.
The ICIR reports that fuel queues started building up in some filling stations in the FCT on Friday, July 26, as motorists were seen engaging in panic buying.
Checks in Kubwa at NIPCO, NNPCL and the Rain Oil Filling Station in Dutse all in FCT showed ong-queues with motorists waiting in turns to make purchase.
This latest development is amidst the call for protest against the Nigerian government to improve the living standards of Nigerians and end bad governance.
The situation has also led to widespread frustration among residents, with many expressing anger over the recurrent fuel shortages and demanding that the fuel pump price be reduced.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has appealed to Nigerians, especially tte youth in the Niger Delta, to remain calm and avoid participating in the proposed nationwide protest.
In a statement signed by his Media and Communications Assistant, Nneamaka Okafor, on Saturday, Lokpobiri, urged the youth of the Niger Delta to be constructive as they seek for solutions to the hardship in the country.
“We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively,” Lokpobiri stated.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to revitalising our economy and bringing renewed hope through well-thought-out policies and programmes,” he added.
The minister emphasised the importance of unity and patience as the government works to address the nation’s challenges.
“Now more than ever, we need to stand together and support the initiatives being put in place. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous Nigeria.”
Acknowledging the role of protests in a democracy, the minister warned against those who might intend to exploit the protest for malicious purposes.
“Certain groups are looking to use this protest to incite violence and crime. We must not let non-state actors disrupt our peace and stability,” he warned.
He also called for constructive engagement and dialogue over any action that could unsettle the nation.
“While protesting is your democratic right, consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress. Dialogue and collaboration are far more effective solutions”
Lokpobiri reassured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to their well-being.
The ICIR reports that some Nigerians, along with a group led by former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have been mobilising for nationwide protests scheduled for the first week of August.
The posts and tweets on the protest carry different hashtags, ranging from #RevolutionNow, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, #TakeItBack, #DaysofRage and #TinubuMustGo.
However, since then, some state actors, including the presidency, military, SSS and police, have threatened the protest organisers, calling on them to suspend the plan.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M