Fuel Scarcity in Nigeria a Persistent Sore, Says NECA, Calls for Urgent Government Intervention

EXCERPT: NECA described fuel scarcity as a persistent issue impacting Nigeria’s productivity, urging swift government action to address the problem.

Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has described the persistent recurrence of fuel scarcity in the country as a sore that has refused to heal. 

The NECA, which called on the federal government to take swift action to curb the recurring scarcity, expressed its concern that fuel shortages all over the country were taking a toll at Nigeria’s productivity and economic activities.

The association also urged the federal government to reconvene, without delay, the tripartite committee on the minimum wage that was adjourned since the first week of April to continue its assignment as soon as practicable.

Commenting on the fuel scarcity on Sunday, the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated that, “Like a sore that has refused to heal, the recurrent issue of fuel scarcity has reared up its ugly head again, notwithstanding the removal of fuel subsidy. 

“The fuel subsidy removal among other things was supposed to liberalise the market and ensure free flow of the product. The ongoing scarcity, with attendant loss of productive man hours as a result of endless hours spent at filling stations defies logic. 

“The ongoing disruption of businesses across diverse sectors, escalating transportation and logistical bottlenecks has progressively led to increased operational costs.”

Oyerinde also emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action, proposing strategic interventions to address the fuel scarcity and fortify organisational resilience. 

He called for heightened collaboration among the NNPC, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), petroleum marketers, and other stakeholders to optimise fuel distribution and mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Dike Onwuamaeze

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