• Dispatches 567 petrol trucks nationwide

TO ensure total eradication of queues from fuel stations across the country, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has ordered the deployment of workers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to filling stations across the country to effectively monitore the fuel distribution system.

Speaking at an emergency meeting with senior members of staff of the corporation at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, Kachikwu said though there were a number of challenges in the supply and distribution chains that hampered efficient distribution of products nationwide, it was time for the Corporation to rise above the challenges by ensuring that the special intervention supplies are not diverted, or hoarded.

He said in continuation of the special intervention fuel supply for the Yuletide season, another 567 trucks were dispatched nationwide yesterday.

In a statement signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, the Minister said the situation calls for effective monitoring of the supply system, “especially at the end points, to ascertain that what is trucked out from the depots is delivered at the designated fuel stations and dispensed to the public in the most efficient manner. We need you to be out there to help achieve this; we can’t be at ease while Nigerians are going through so much pain to get fuel.”

He challenged the workers to volunteer for the monitoring exercise, adding that standing up to provide creative solutions to challenges is what the new NNPC is all about.

Kachikwu urged the workers to work towards achieving zero-queues at their respective stations as soon as possible, adding that they should be ready to sacrifice their Christmas break, if need be.

Also speaking at the emergency meeting, the Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment, Dr. Victor Adeniran, urged workers on monitoring duties to work closely with the Rapid Response Team, by reporting any situation that needs urgent intervention such as low stock, delayed arrival of trucks or any underhand dealing.

He said the Rapid Response Team is made up of Pipeline, Product Marketing Company (PPMC) workers and representatives of law enforcement agencies that can adequately handle any challenge, adding that so far, about 200 trucks of the special intervention stock have arrived Abuja.

He urged the workers to be vigilant and ensure that all the fuel trucks designated for their respective stations are delivered and dispensed to members of the public in a most efficient manner.