Enough of scarcity, make fuel available in 48 hours, DSS directs NNPCL, marketers

The Department of Security Services (DSS) has directed the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and fuel marketers to end the petrol scarcity in the country within 48 hours.

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunaya disclosed this when he addressed journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the directive was given after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders, warning that the DSS would swing into action and punish defaulters.

According to him, the continued fuel crisis if not abated is a threat to national security.

“Today we held a meeting with NNPLC and other stakeholders in the down steam sector which include: the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, depot operators among others.

“We were clear and told them enough is enough on the lingering fuel scarcity. We told them they should resolve the hurdles right away. Nigerians have rights to have access to petroleum products.  We told them we would not continue to tolerate the scarcity,” Afunaya said.

“You might be wondering what our business is on this issue. Don’t forget the Constitution charged us with the mandate of detecting and preventing any threat against our internal security.

“The NNPCL said there are 1.9 billion litres of petroleum in stock and all the stakeholders agreed to that.

“Among the resolution reached at the end of the meeting is that the marketers will be operating for 24 hours on daily basis.

“Also, tanker operators assured that all hands will be on deck to ensure the lifting of the products.

“Similarly, the NNPCL agreed to sell at ex-depot price. It also agreed to decentralise distributions to impact positively on marketers.

“On our part, we agreed to provide security for seamless distribution of the products across the country. Distribution must improve and all challenges must be eliminated in the next 48 hours after which as a matter of urgency we will carry out operations across the country not minding whose ox is gored.

“We sounded a clear note of warning to marketers and other persons involved in the process that it won’t be business as usual and that whatever needs to be done must be done.

“Our commands have been placed on red alert and they would procure information on any obstructive tendency by any organisation against the agreed terms.”