A few days ago, social media users in Nigeria were thrown into confusion after a video trended online about a certain party celebrant in Lagos that distributed fuel as souvenir to guests.
The viral video showed kegs of petrol being handed out as souvenirs at an event Centre in Lagos.
To a lot of people, it sounded unbelievable that someone in the right state mind would distribute fuel as souvenir.
But Lagos State Government is not treating the matter with levity. The government says it is investigating it.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso announced that the Safety Commission was investigating the matter and would ensure that all parties to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.
Pointing out that there was no doubt that the action was dangerous and could lead to loss of lives and property, Mr Omotoso stated that It was blatantly against all safety measures in such places.
The Commissioner reiterated that the safety of lives and properties of Lagosians and visitors remain a top priority to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, and therefore , advised that actions that could lead to loss of lives and properties be avoided.
For about a month now,Nigerians nationwide have been grappling with scarcity and high cost Of fuel.
The development has reportedly worsened hardship and sufferings among the people with the ripple effected felt in almost all areas of national life.
At Oke Afa area of Isolo, Maza-maza area of Amuwo Odofin, Surulere and indeed most parts of Lagos metropolis, some small business owners such as frozen food sellers, drink sellers, barbers, hair dressing salons Operators and Phone chargers had alleged that they were operating at loss due to the high cost of fuel.
These small business owners expressed regret that while getting the product at filling stations has become almost impossible due to long queues day in and out, buying from black marketers was not an option either ,as they sold at very high cost.
The frozen food Sellers, drink sellers, barbers, hair dressing salons operators and Phone chargers complained that once there is no electric supply, it becomes impossible to make good sales.
They explained that most black marketers within the area have started selling a liter of fuel at 300 to 400 naira. Before the problem fuel was sold for 165 Naira per litre.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has however assured Nigerians that it has sufficient stock of petroleum products for distribution across the country.
The corporation stated that it has over 1.7billion litres of PMS both on marine and on the Land and do not have any plan to adjust the current price of PMS in the market.
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari was speaking at a joint news briefing with Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria , Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in Abuja.
Meanwhile the problem has persisted despite the assurance by NNPC.
