The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission on measures to control the supply of contaminated fuel to ensure that Nigerians do not suffer needlessly.
This is contained in a statement by the National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, in Abuja.
”The NUJ after appraising efforts by the Mele Kyari-led NNPC management notes with satisfaction, measures to shore up supply of contaminated fuel to ensure that Nigerians do not suffer needlessly.
”We enjoin the NNPC through the Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority to monitor filling stations to ensure that those with products dispense them appropriately to curb artificial scarcity and undue pump adjustments.
”At a time such as this national emergency, it is our duty as citizens to support initiatives to stem such ugly situation,” he said
Isiguzo said that Nigerians have over the years enjoyed uninterrupted availability of PMS.
”It has become imperative to note that after over four years of uninterrupted availability of PMS, Nigerians over the past few days have been grappling with buying the products at filling stations.
”The present challenge the Union understands is as a result of the importation of PMS with higher than normal methanol level.
“Since the unfortunate development, it is regrettable to observe that there have been some forth and back between the NNPC and some of its designated importers over the “bad fuel.” he said.
Isiguzo said that as responsible corporate organisations, what was expected of the importers of the contaminated fuel was to take full responsibility and seek restitution for this national mishap.
”The NUJ believes that with measures already undertaken by the management of the NNPC especially with a presidential inquest on the way, there should be limit to politicising of such a sensitive economic matter.
“Rather, what ought to obtain now is for a demand that the probe panel as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari is conclusive.
”While adequate compensation be paid to all verifiable claims of those whose vehicles may have been affected by the high methanol PMS,” he said.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Thursday said four importers were responsible for the importation of petrol containing a high level of methanol.
The situation, however, had led to major Nigerian cities facing fuel scarcity after NNPC halted the circulation of the bad fuel.
