Buhari apologises to Nigerians over petrol scarcity, power outage

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to Nigerians over the petrol scarcity and power outage experienced in the country.

Accordign to a statement issued on Wednesday by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, the president said the federal government is taking steps to address the situation.

Buhari said he regrets the inconvenience experienced by Nigerians, adding that actions would also be taken against those responsible for worsening the situation at depots.

“The administration knows the fuel shortage has placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologise to all sections of society for this,” he was quoted as saying.

“The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue. An action plan agreed upon earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity.

“Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit. Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling. In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.

“Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country. The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months, the government will however ensure that consumers are protected against these price spikes.”

On epileptic power supply, Buhari said “the blackouts seen in the national grid are also being addressed”.

“A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations. On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid,” he added.