The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Maiduguri Branch unequivocally condemn the recent exorbitant increasingly in fuel prices by Federal Government of Nigeria through NNPCL. Obviously the increment comes st a time of significant economic hardship devastating Nigerians. Citizens should not gear the brunt of such inconsiderate actions that further compound their already intense condition. We therefore implore the Federal Government to reverse the increase.
In the same vein, the Branch is deeply concerned about the subsequent deliberate hoarding of fuel by majority of filling stations within Maiduguri and its environ. This has results in an artificial fuel scarcity within Borno State, foisetring more hardship onto the public.
In light of this situation, NBA calls on the Borno State Government to urgently constitute a High powered Task Force To discreetly monitor the situation and sanction all filling stations found culprit of hoarding fuel.
It is imperative that the Government takes swift action to address this issue and ensure that the people of Borno State are not subjected to unnecessary hardship due to the greed of a few individuals.
We additionally urge the State Government to ensure the availability of fuel through BOSCO at affordable prices and to expand the network of Government-owned filling stations across the State.
The NBA Maiduguri Branch Stands Firm in its Commitment to protecting public interest and advocating firvthe welfare of the people and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Co-Signed by
Zanna Hamza Esq., Chairman and
Zakariya M.Umar ,Esq.,Secretary
In a similar development the VP NNPCL downstream has reacted to the seeming FUEL scarcity crisis riddling the country as at the moment at the same time giving the organisation a bad name, ‘ Let me put it in proper context NNPCL is not a regulator, we didn’t choose to be the sole importer , we don’t determine who plays in the market. We stepped in when others reduced their participation.it is not about wanting to be monopolists’, he explained.
He also stated that achieving a stable fuel supplyv and price would require ideal market conditions, including a more liquid foreign exchange market.
‘Market Conditions need to be perfect , and there must be FX liquidity’ he added, suggesting that broader economic reforms may be necessary to address the fuel pricing crisis as witnessed by the citizenry at large.
Ayobo/IpajaTV.com 