Work with NNPC to sanitize fuel distribution – CSOs urge IPMAN, NUPENG, others

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance has called on oil marketers and distributors to partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to ensure seamless delivery of petroleum products across the country.

The appeal, which is contained in a communique made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday after the coalition’s meeting, comes amid the biting fuel scarcity across the country.

Members of the coalition included the Secretary of the Centre of Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson, the Director of Activists For Good Governance, Declan Ihekiare, the Head of Campaign Against Impunity, Sina Loremikan, the Director of Transparency Advocacy for Good Governance, Ganzallo Gbenga, the Head of Centre for Promotion of Justice, Abdullahi Alli and the Coordinator of Women Advocates for Good Governance, Aisha Kewulere.

Queues have resurfaced across major cities in Africa’s biggest oil producer, but the NNPCL explained that the scarcity was as a result of weather condition which it said affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.

But the CSOs said their enquiries showed that the NNPCL had made efforts to control the situation.

Lawson, who spoke for the coalition said, “We commend the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mele Kyari, for their unwavering dedication in managing the complexities associated with the distribution of petroleum products, amidst considerable challenges.

“Their efforts have been pivotal in ensuring a consistent supply of fuel across Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened demand and logistical constraints.

“However, while acknowledging the strides made by NNPCL, we recognize that sustainable solutions to the sector’s challenges require a concerted effort from all stakeholders.

“We hereby wish to call upon private oil marketers, depot owners, workers, media, civil society, and all participants in the petroleum distribution chain to join hands with NNPCL in a collaborative approach.”

The coalition urged all stakeholders to prioritize national interest, ensuring that efforts were synchronized to overcome obstacles and improve service delivery to every corner of Nigeria.

They called for an enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to further ensure energy sufficiency for Nigeria.