In response to the ongoing petrol scarcity affecting the nation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to meet with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address the crisis ahead of the general elections scheduled for February and March. The country has been facing a prolonged shortage of petrol, primarily due to insufficient supply from the NNPCL, which is the sole importer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, stated on Friday that the commission is committed to resolving logistical issues in preparation for the elections. He emphasized, “We are going to hold a high-level meeting with the NNPCL to resolve whatever issues or challenges we have. We have things under control.”
Similarly, Yusuf Adeniyi, the National Secretary of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), assured that the fuel scarcity would not hinder the association’s ability to transport electoral materials on Election Day. He expressed confidence that the RTEAN, which has a memorandum of understanding with INEC regarding election logistics, would fulfill its responsibilities. Adeniyi remarked, “The issue of fuel scarcity will not affect the elections. While we are facing fuel scarcity, I believe it is more artificial than real. Our vehicles are operational, and the movement of election materials will proceed without significant issues.” When asked about any arrangements with the NNPCL to ensure fuel for drivers, he clarified that transport operators typically acquire fuel from the same market as private individuals, sometimes resorting to black markets.
An aide to the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that alternative plans have been established to navigate the challenges posed by fuel scarcity. He assured that these arrangements would not disrupt the transportation of election materials. “This is one of the few instances where we face fuel distribution issues, but we made proper arrangements in advance,” he stated. He also highlighted a tripartite agreement involving INEC, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and other relevant bodies, reinforcing his belief that there would be no problems in conveying election materials.
In a related development, oil marketers expressed their discontent with the recently established 14-man steering committee on petroleum products supply and distribution management, which was approved by the Federal Government to address the ongoing petrol scarcity. Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria voiced skepticism regarding the committee’s capability to resolve the nationwide fuel shortage and alleviate the long queues at filling stations. The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources announced the formation of the committee, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, serving as the alternate chairman. The committee is tasked with ensuring transparent and efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products.
However, oil marketers criticized the committee’s composition, arguing that it lacks representation from key players in the downstream industry, which may hinder its effectiveness in resolving the fuel scarcity. Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), remarked, “This is the problem of Nigeria; we often place round pegs in square holes. Those of us at the grassroots understand how the business should operate for the benefit of Nigerians. If the committee does not include critical stakeholders, I question what level of success they expect to achieve.” He urged the government to reconstitute the committee to include representatives from major oil marketing associations to facilitate effective and sustainable solutions.
Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the committee’s lack of input from marketers. He stated, “IPMAN frowns upon the formation of this 14-man committee. I wonder how it will fulfill its mandate without the involvement of key stakeholders like IPMAN, which represents about 80 percent of distribution outlets in Nigeria.” He emphasized the necessity of including industry stakeholders to ensure adequate distribution of petroleum products.
Furthermore, Ukadike highlighted some reasons contributing to the current petrol scarcity. He noted that suppliers are becoming hesitant to provide products due to the impending transition in government. “When the government is nearing the end of its tenure, marketers supplying petroleum products may become cautious, wanting to ensure that their investments are secure and not caught up in the transition to the incoming government,” he explained. He also mentioned the government’s decision to remove petrol subsidies, which has led to increased caution among marketers regarding future supply dynamics.
In response to the concerns raised, Horatius Egua, Senior Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, clarified that the 14-man committee has yet to be inaugurated. He emphasized that the committee’s objective extends beyond merely setting a timeline for ending the fuel scarcity; it aims to address issues throughout the entire supply and distribution value chain. The committee’s terms of reference include ensuring national strategic stock management, overseeing the rehabilitation of NNPC Limited refineries, and tracking petroleum products, particularly PMS, to ascertain daily national consumption and eliminate smuggling.
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