NNPC And Adulterated Petrol -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

The circulation of adulterated petroleum which is unfit for consumption has continued to generate uproar in the country. The unfortunate development has led to scarcity of petrol in our major cities as queves have since returned to many filling stations in the country. The NNPC managing director,mele Kyari,has blamed some oil marketers for the importation of the toxic fuel believing to have methonal above our consumption. President Muhammadu Buhari and members house of representative have called for investigation of those responsible for this act of shame. This is a welcome development. The petroleum industry which the country has comparative advantage has over the years become cesspool of corruption. Nigeria is sixth larger producer of crude oil in the world. Despite its vantage position, the country’s four refineries have remained moribund with poor production capacity. These erratic refineries have continued to gulf billions of naira every year in the name of maintenance with dismal output. Last year,it was reported that,over 100billion was spent on the turn around maitainance of the four refineries.

The inability of the country to have functional refineries resulted to the emergency of many importers who connived with corrupt government officials to exploit the system. Most of the fuel subsidy government pays usually goes to their pockets. If these companies or marketers could inflate the figures of imported fuel without qualm,one will not be surprised if they have flooded the country with toxic and unfit premium motor sprit (petrol) for nigerians consumption. After all, these importers have become too powerful and untouchable in the country. They are billionaire cartels who can spend their last kobo to frustrate government’s efforts to get rid of their foul play. With the passage of petroleum industry bill into laws, Nigerians expect nothing less than an efficient and transferent petroleum industry.

The petroleum industry acts (PIA) are set of laws intended to unbundle the sector and pave the ways for more investment which among other,the building of new refineries by private investors.
However,what put the cart before the horse,is government’s decision to suspend subsidy removal in the next eighteen months which is part of the laws. While many view it as good move,it has dashed the glimmer hopes of having robust petroleum industry. Subsidy is an apron-string or cog in the wheel of geinune desire to reforms or free the sector from the hands of hawks. The circulation of adulterated PMS with its destructive consequences to our automobile and ecosystem should serve as wake up call to government.

Unless the issues of fuel importations are fully addressed, through the establishment of more private refineries,toxic or unfit premium motor sprit (petrol) will always find its way to the country.

IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA PAMBEGUA, KADUNA STATE 08169056963.