Business
Bad fuel: Petrol scarcity persists in Abuja, Lagos, others, despite govt’s assurances
- Sells at N400/litre at black-market •We’ve adequate supply —FG
- •NUPENG directs members to compile names of marketers hoarding PMS, increasing depot prices
Despite the Federal Government’s promises that petrol scarcity would be over weekend, the scarcity of the product continued, yesterday in Abuja, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states.
Checks by Vanguard showed that there were long queues in Abuja, Lagos and other states, mainly because of the difficulty associated with getting supply.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, also yesterday directed its members to start compiling names of marketers hoarding Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, or selling above official depot price today.
National Operation Controller Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mike Osatuyi, said his members were still finding it difficult to source the product from depot owners.
According to him, independent marketers are still sourcing petrol at N190 per litre, against government’s N148 per litre regulated price, thus making it difficult for them to sell at the N162/N165 per litre regulated price.
Consequently, many of their outlets were seen shut, while long queues of automobiles took over all available space at the stations.
In Abuja, queues at petrol stations grew longer at the weekend as the impact of supply disruption entered the third week, despite assurances of quick resolution by the Federal Government.
At filling stations monitored by Vanguard, motorists explained that they queued for over four hours before they could obtain petrol at the city centre.
At the suburbs of the nation’s capital, the scenes were chaotic as motorists struggled to get into few filling stations dispensing petrol.
As expected, while motorists had difficulty in purchasing petrol, black markets openly hawked the product in kegs, with price ranging from N350 to N400 per litre.
Speaking to Vanguard from Lagos, the Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, expressed optimism that normalcy would return at the end of the week.
Mr. Isong said MOMAN was working with government agencies to improve supply of petrol across the country.
He said: “The important thing now is to stop the queues and it is only after that we can go back and check how much it cost and then submit our bills to the government.”
He disclosed that while supply had improved greatly, it would take another week to restore normalcy “if we continue getting good supply”.
On his part, the Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, who spoke from Port Harcourt, said getting supply had been particularly challenging for independent marketers.
Ukadike said with the product not available at government-owned depots, independent marketers had to resort to buying from privately-owned depots at a cost far higher than what the government regulated.
He noted that most marketers were struggling to cope with the crisis, saying “when we signed bulk purchase agreement, there was a quantity of petroleum product that the NNPC agreed to supply to us monthly in terms of allocation but now that agreement has been breached by the NNPC, we are resorting to hustling for fuel wherever we can get it.
“That is because if you don’t do that, it becomes impossible for you to pay staff and pay several taxes imposed by various government agencies. The impact is serious on us and that is why you are seeing most filling stations shutting down.”
Ukadike also expressed optimism that the supply difficulties would ease in the coming week, stressing that “the queues are still there and we are having challenges getting supplies. But I heard that a vessel is coming in (into Port Harcourt) by next week. The supply from the vessel will relieve the remaining congestions we have.
“The biggest challenge is the high price we are getting the product because it is only at the government depots that you can get supply at government approved rate. So with this vessel coming next week, it will help to alleviate the sufferings of the masses,” he added.
The government had said that the distribution of petrol would soon normalise after it recalled the bad product imported into the country last week.
The government had given the assurance at a briefing in Abuja, adding that concerted efforts were being made to end the challenges in the supply of petrol.
It had explained that it was expecting over 2.3 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, in the country by the end of February and that over one billion litres of the product were currently being distributed nationwide.
Also, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Abdullahi Gaya, had also assured Nigerians that his committee would handle companies which imported methanol-blended Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, into the country.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has directed its members to, from today, start compiling names of marketers hoarding Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, or selling above official depot price.
Recall that the Union had Saturday given marketers 24 hours to revert to the official depots price of petrol or risk unpleasant consequences, claiming that unscrupulous marketers were selling PMS from the depots at prices above the official rate.
Speaking with Vanguard yesterday, President of NUPENG, Prince Williams Akporeha, said “as a follow-up to the 24 hours ultimatum to the marketers, the union has directed members to, from tomorrow (today) start compiling names of marketers who are hoarding petrol or selling PMS from the depots at prices above the official rate for sanction.”
On what is the nature of the sanction, he said: “We have to keep that our chest until the time.”“NUPENG in statement Saturday issuing a 24 hours –ultimatum to marketers through its President and General Secretary, Prince William Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, respectively, among others, said “Our attention and empathy have been drawn to the harrowing experiences and pains of the general public due to the exploitative and unscrupulous activities and tendencies of Petroleum Products Marketers who taking advantage of the seeming gaps and teething challenges in the implementation of Petroleum industry Act to enrich themselves at the expense of the Country and the people.““It’s an undeniable fact that the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, is still under subsidy regime, and we find it disheartening and worrisome that these unscrupulous Marketers are selling PMS from the depots at prices far above the official rate.““We are giving these Marketers twenty-four (24) hours with effect from midnight of Sunday, 27th February, 2022 to revert to official rate or we shall name and shame them as public enemies aside from other sanctions.“It is also disturbing that even though AGO, and DPK are deregulated, there must be some measures of checks and control over the prices otherwise the entire productive activities will be grounded.““We have it on good authority that it’s one Marketer that determines and fixes prices of these products for other Marketers to adopt leaving all consumers (domestic and industrial) at their mercy.““This unsavory situation is evidently clear from the cries of the airlines Operators, road transport Operators, factories Owners and private homes and offices. The Union cannot continue to watch as some cabals keep on exploiting the people and the nation.““We implore the general public to bear with us in whatever actions we deemed necessary against these exploiters.
““Painfully, we noticed the helplessness of the NNPC in this in view of the implementation of the Act and also noted that these Marketers are taking advantage of the newness of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority to rip off Nigerians.““The nation and the people are bleeding and in the absence of any decisive institutional intervention, NUPENG has decided to once again step up in the defense of the people, the nation and the industry.““We are also by this press release directing all our officials in all our zones to start compiling lists of petrol stations that are in habit of hoarding products during the day and selling at nights at exorbitant rates for possible sanctions. These also include Petroleum Products depots that may want to be hoarding products because of our decision on this matter.”
Vanguard
Auto
Coscharis Motors clinches Nigeria’s Multi-Luxury Company Award as Range Rover Autobiography emerges Luxury SUV
Coscharis Motors clinches Nigeria’s Multi-Luxury Company Award as Range Rover Autobiography emerges Luxury SUV
It is a double honour for Coscharis Motors Plc, one of the subsidiaries of the respected conglomerate, Coscharis Group, as it was declared Multi-Luxury Company of the Year and one of its iconic luxury brands, Range Rover Autobiography, was adjudged the Nigeria’s Luxury SUV of the Year at the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association Awards.
The well attended event was held recently at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Lagos.
Coscharis Motors, a household name in topnotch globally respected luxury automobile brands in Nigeria, has been the exclusive representative of the British iconic luxury brand of the Jaguar Land Rover and the German pride in the luxury segment of the BMW brand over many decades.
The company in 2023 added another new luxury brand from United Kingdom into the Nigeria market which is the Grenadier from the Ineos group in UK. The Grenadier is a brand new product globally which is equally being represented in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors as a new addition to its existing ‘House of luxury’ when it comes to automobile of repute.
The luxury SUV category was keenly contested with other tested luxury brands but the Range Rover Autobiography came tops, according to the organizers, after strong consideration of the market acceptance of the Autobiography in all ramifications.
The All New Range Rover Autobiography variant is revolutionary, reliable and a class on its own with its special appeal, style that resonates with its priority audience when it comes to luxury, class, comfort and performance.
Receiving the award on behalf of Coscharis Motors, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, dedicated the award to all the Coscharis Motors customers, especially the luxury brand enthusiasts for their acceptability of all the luxury brands in the Portfolio namely the Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and the new Grenadier respectively as their preferred luxury automobile of choice.
He said, “These awards only reconfirm our expertise in delivering top notch luxury experience to our premium customers while maintaining the global standard of brand positioning to discerning customers in the ever dynamic Nigerian market.
“Representing these globally respected iconic brands over the years exclusively in Nigeria involves consistent delivering of value for money that involves the total luxury experience from the point of brand awareness to the purchase stage and the aftersales service experience to deliver the peace of mind required.”
Group Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Plc, Mr. Josiah Samuel, also dedicated the awards to the company’s ever loyal customers for their patronage and acceptance of the brands with a promise to continually create more value in the automobile industry in Nigeria.
He said, “There can’t be another best way to end the business year in 2024 than with these set of prestigious awards despite all the business challenges in the year and more importantly that the awards are coming from a very critical stakeholder / partner like the media.”
The award event attracted various stakeholders that are players in the automotive sector in Nigeria.
Auto
Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways
Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways
By Bisi Kazeem
As the year winds down and Nigerians embark on end-of-year travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to curb road crashes and ensure safer highways. Leading this charge is the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who has set a sterling example of sacrificial leadership by actively participating in frontline operations during this critical period.
The end of the year is a notoriously perilous time on Nigeria’s roads, marked by increased traffic, heightened road traffic crash risks, and a surge in reckless driving.
However, under the proactive leadership of the Corps Marshal, the FRSC rolled out an unprecedented campaign to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities, ensuring that the festive season is marked by joy rather than tragedy.
True leadership is not defined by words but by action. The Corps Marshal exemplifies this by personally leading field operations, patrolling highways, monitoring traffic flows, and directly engaging with road users.
His visible presence has reinvigorated the morale of FRSC officers and demonstrated to the nation that leadership is about service and sacrifice.
He defied insecurity on the highways and embarked on a traffic monitoring operation from Abuja, the Federal Capital, through Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Owo, Ore, down to Edo and Delta.
His decision to lead from the front underscores his commitment to the FRSC’s mission of saving lives and highlights the urgent need for compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
From the beginning of the Ember Months sensitisation campaign in September, the Corps had gone ahead of time, implementing series of robust measures aimed at addressing road safety challenges during the festive season. These remedies include; increased patrols and checkpoints as additional officers and vehicles have been deployed in strategic points on highways to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws; organised nationwide safety campaigns targeting speed violations, drunk driving, overloading and seatbelt use.
These campaigns educate drivers on the dangers of reckless behaviours and emphasize the importance of safe driving practices.
The Corps also ensured Emergency Response Preparedness: ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams are on standby to ensure rapid responses to emergencies, reducing fatalities and injuries in the event of crashes.
Knowing that the task of making the highways safe is a collective action, FRSC went into the season with strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, transport unions, traditional rulers and local communities, to foster a united front in the battle against road crashes.
The Corps Marshal’s leadership has inspired not just his officers but also the general public.
His direct involvement sends a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders.
The Corps Marshal’s hands-on approach during this critical period has not only motivated the FRSC team but has also restored public confidence in the agency’s commitment to saving lives,” said a motorist who witnessed the Marshal’s activities firsthand on the Niger Bridge.
The monitoring activities carried out across major corridors suggest that the intensified efforts are yielding positive results, with a noticeable reduction in road crashes and fatalities compared to previous years.
The Corps Marshal’s example of sacrificial leadership has brought renewed vigor to the FRSC’s operations, ensuring that every life is valued and protected.
Needless to state that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, is indeed an enigma, a force to be reckoned with and a true example of practical leadership in public service as he leads yet again by example in the fight against road crashes in Nigeria.
Taking active front-line roles, dedicating to sacrificial leadership and willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges facing Nigerian roads.
By setting the pace, he’s inspiring his team and other stakeholders to join forces in the quest for safer roads in Nigeria.
As the festive season continues, let us all join the FRSC as they call on all Nigerians to support its efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding risky driving behaviours, and prioritizing safety on the roads.
Together, with the leadership of the Corps Marshal and the dedication of FRSC personnel, a safer, accident-free festive season is achievable.
The Corps Marshal’s leadership reminds us all that effective leadership requires sacrifice, action, and a deep commitment to service.
As Nigerians embark on their journeys this season, they can take comfort in knowing that the FRSC is working tirelessly to make the roads safer for everyone.
*DCM Bisi Kazeem (Rtd), fsi MNIM anipr, a public relations expert and media guru writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Auto
FG deploys Lanre Shittu CNG buses as airport shuttle
FG deploys Lanre Shittu CNG buses as airport shuttle
The Federal Government has commenced the deployment of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM)-branded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in the nation’s airports for passengers shuttle.
The first batch of the CNG-powered buses has been launched at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, and Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku.
Speaking during the unveiling at the Lagos airport, the minister said the deployment was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
He said it was part of Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate targets.
‘’What you see here today is a fleet of CNG buses for FAAN to commence passenger movement at all our airports immediately,” the minister said.
He said the newly acquired CNG-powered LSM buses unveiled at the Lagos airport are eco-friendly with zero emission and designed with accessibility features for persons with disabilities.
The deployment, he added, was in compliance with the President’s goal of reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels of petrol and diesel and promoting sustainable use of CNG to power vehicles in the country.
The introduction of the CNG to power automobiles is one of the Federal Government’s initiatives to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the masses.
The CNG buses, according to the Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Taiwo Shittu, come in two specifications: a 31-seater for airport shuttle services and a 54-seater for mass transit city buses.
He said they had been equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, viewing screens, and charging stations.
With the introduction of the CNG buses, he said LSM aimed to provide a more sustainable and efficient transportation solution not only to Lagos but other parts of the country.
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