Sokoto sets up task force to tackle fuel scarcity

In a bid to tackle the lingering fuel scarcity in Sokoto, the state government has set up  a task to monitor the distribution of petroleum products in the state.

“It was to return to normal distribution since no part of the country is presently experiencing disruption in the supply chain of the product,” a statement by Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tanbuwal on media, Imam Imam revealed.

It said the task force would  monitor and ensure effective dispensing of petroleum products by all selling outlets in all parts of Sokoto.

“The task force will liaise with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to track movement of petroleum products meant for Sokoto State from loading points to final destinations. It will also liaise with relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with regulations governing distribution, marketing and sale of petroleum products in Sokoto State,” it stated

According to the statement, the  task force was also to take any other action deemed necessary towards ensuring effective distribution and sale of petroleum products in the state.

It said members were drawn from public and private sectors with Alhaji Magaji Magaji Gusau to serve as the Chairman while Alhaji Abubakar Abubakar of the State Civil Service Commission (CSC) was  appointed as the Secretary.

The statement listed other members to include  the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Commerce,Alhaji Haruna Maishanu, a member of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Malami Maccido, Barrister Muhammad Muhammad of the state Ministry of Justice and Sokoto NLC  Chairman, Comrade Aminu Umar Ahmed.

Others, it added, are the Chairman of the Sokoto branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Secretary of the state chapter of the National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Rufai Mode Danlikita and Squadron Leader Aminu Bala.

The statement urged the members to be diligent in their assignment.

“All efforts will be explored to ensure availability of petroleum products in the state,” it assured.

…To revoke C of O of filing stations hoarding fuel

Following over two weeks of lingering fuel scarcity in Sokoto, the state government has threatened to revoke  the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of any filling station  found to be hoarding fuel or selling above official rate.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this when he inspected sale of fuel at some filling stations in Sokoto.

“Government will not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous marketers hold the people to ransom, ” he asserted

Tambuwal who noted that the supply of fuel from the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) had not altered, stressed that no one should create artificial scarcity to burden the people.

He said the state government and  the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) would set up a joint task force to move round filling stations to ascertain their compliance with laid down rules and regulations guiding their operations.

He called on all those hoarding the commodity to  open their stations immediately.

The governor warned:“The committee will go round, and any filling station found hoarding fuel will face the full wrath of the law.”