Fuel Scarcity: Kachikwu Begs Nigerians Over Controversial Statements; Insists On May

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, March 29th, 2016

After a week of controversies that trailed his comments on the lingering fuel scarcity in the country, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu has publicly apologized for making the statement considered uncomplimentary.

The junior Minister tendered the apology Tuesday, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum. The committee had invited him to come and explain the reasons for the persistent fuel shortage in the country which has lasted over one month.

In his response, Mr. Kachikwu clarified that the scarcity would end by April. He however added that Nigerians might have to wait till May for “major revolution” in the availability of the products, according to NAN.

On why there is no immediate solution to the shortage of the product, the Minister replied that 90 per cent of the Nigerian depots were not functional. Kachikwu added: “most fuel products into Nigeria come from Europe and it takes 14 days” for the product to land in the country.

Still, the Minister affirmed that the Federal Government would engage consultants to manage the depots. He hinted that advertisement in National dailies in this regards, would soon begin. NNPC he explained has doubled its usual supply to Abuja, yet the scarcity remained.

Prior to efficient distribution of fuel across the country, Mr. Kachikwu stressed that the country’s refineries must function optimally, but complained that the local refineries were old and dilapidated but pointed out “with appropriate funds and retooling they will be revived to full capacity”.