As part of efforts of his administration to cushion the effects of fuel scarcity on its citizens, Osun state government has met with independent petroleum marketers in the state towards addressing the challenges posed by the scarcity.
Speaking on behalf of Osun government, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, bemoaned the hardship citizens have had to endure in the past weeks across the State.
Osun government, while assuring that notmalcy would be restored soon, urged petroleum marketers to look into the arbitrary hike in prices per litre of the product in many filling stations.
The government maintained its readiness to put all necessary mechanisms in place to make the product available soon, and at the regular, official pump price.
It also stressed its readiness to form a synergy with relevant regulatory agencies for effective result in this regard.
“The present administration in the state of Osun is not happy with the current hardship being experienced by the motoring and non-motoring public.
“To this end, we are prepared to do the needful within the ambit of the law to get normalcy returned to Osun.
“Though not limited to Osun state alone, Iassure you, however, that Oyetola’s administration will soon be on top of the situation.
“We can’t continue like this. We call for patience and understanding because very soon, both the motoring and non-motoring public would heave a sigh of relief”, it said.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Lateef Adebisi Jayeola also condemned the development, stressing the state parliament’s readiness to do what is required to address the issue.
He added that a special task force has been set up to address the issue of demand and supply of PMS throughout Osun.
The Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Osun state chapter, Alhaji Bukola Mutiu, appreciated the various efforts of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, declaring that he was the first governor in the South-West to create a stakeholders forum for petroleum marketers to register their concerns on the current situation.
While appreciating the governor and his administration for the genuine concern to ameliorate the situation for the overall happiness of the citizenry, he also sought the support and intervention of the state government to ensure the availability of the Petroleum products in the state.
Others present at the meeting were members of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), Osun State Investment Promotion Agency(OSIPA), among others.
