The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has deployed about 200 truck loads of fuel to Abuja to help reduce the ongoing fuel scarcity and ease Yuletide celebration.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, on Monday in Abuja.

“In continuation of the special intervention fuel supply for the Yuletide season, another 567 trucks have been dispatched nationwide today.”

It further noted that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had ordered the deployment of NNPC staff to filling stations across the country for effective monitoring of the distribution system.

This, it said, was to ensure the total eradication of queues from fuel stations across the country.

The statement said the minister, at an emergency meeting with senior staff of the corporation, said there were a number of challenges in the supply and distribution system that hampered efficient distribution of products.

According to him, it is time for NNPC to rise above the challenges by ensuring that the special intervention supplies are not diverted or hoarded.

“This 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 staff to volunteer for the monitoring; adding that standing up to provide creative solutions to challenges was what the new NNPC was all about.

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

Also, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, Dr Victor Adeniran, called on staff on monitoring duties to work closely with the Rapid Response Team.

He urged them to report any situation that needed urgent intervention such as low stock, delayed arrival of trucks or any underhand dealing.

He added that the Rapid Response Team comprised Pipe lines Product Marketing Company staff and representatives of law enforcement agencies that could adequately handle any challenge.

He called on the staff to be vigilant and ensure that all the petrol designated for their various stations was delivered and dispensed to members of the public in a most efficient manner. (NAN)

•Photo shows Dr Kachikwu

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