Fuel scarcity will soon be over, Senate leader assures Nigerians

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the fuel crisis experienced in the country will soon be a thing of the past.

Bamidele gave this assurance in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the Oil Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, on Friday.

According to him, the legislature is working tirelessly to ensure that fuel scarcity and frequent queues at filling stations are resolved.

He said that there were plans to involve more private-sector players in the construction of new refineries.

“The Senate is working to ensure that more private-sector players are licensed to own and operate refineries.

“This is to support other smaller ones that are springing up in several parts of the country.

“In addition to licensing new refinery operators, the Federal Government and Senate are working to ensure that the existing refineries are turned around with repairs and replacement of parts carried out where necessary.

Bamidele said the Senate had gotten assurance from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., (NNPC Ltd.) that two of its refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt would come on stream before the end of the year.

He also noted that the commitment to licensing new refinery operators and revitalising existing refineries remained vital for increasing domestic oil production.

Opeyemi maintained that the focus was to ensure that Nugeria meets its OPEC production quota.

He explained that achieving such milestones would provide more revenue for the government and halt lack and borrowings.

By enhancing local refinery capacity, the Senator said that the country could reduce its dependence on fuel imports, leading to a potential decrease in petrol prices.

He explained that what drives pricing is the ability to meet demand in the face of every product, finding its level and place in a free market.

Also speaking, the Chairman,
Senate Committee of Downstream, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, said the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) that happened at the refineries was about 15 years ago, which led to the comatose state of the facility.

Ubah said that the non-deregulation of the downstream sector had put undue pressure on NNPC Ltd., as the entire industry depends on company for its petroleum needs.

He pointed out that no country could meet its energy needs by having a single entity; importing its petroleum product needs.

However, to be self-sufficient, Ubah urged the government to create a cluster of five to eight modular refineries within the riverine communities.

Fuel scarcity will soon be over, Senate leader assures Nigerians

BRAVE-IT lauds Nigeria military in fight against security challenge

By Halima Abdulkadiri

A non-governmental organization, Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT) has on Friday voice out their concern to violent extremism and terrorism.

This was contained by the National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, Aisha Rabo, during breakfast meeting.

In her welcome address she said: “I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you gathered here for this key meeting, which has been call to discuss the current security landscape of our nation and to laud the commendable efforts of our Armed Forces”.

BRAVEIT has always advocated for the non-kinetic strategy employed by the military in combating insurgency and addressing many security challenges. This strategy has shown to be highly effective, and we urge our Armed Forces to keep on in their implementation.

We envision a future where the people of Nigeria recognize and value the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, thereby motivating them to continue their perfect service with dedication and professionalism.

Distinguished guests, both ladies and gentlemen, I extend my heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you.

BRAVE-IT lauds Nigeria military in fight against security challenge

Several women abuse me for being a truck driver

Ms Peace Kefikebusa, a Truck Driver with Transport Service Limited (TSL), on has said that she ran into women, who abused her for being a truck driver.

Kefikebusa said this in an interview with the newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar.

Noting that being a trailer driver had not been very easy for women due to some of the risks, she explained to NAN, how some women ask her derogative questions about her choice of job.

“Some women even blamed my parents for allowing me become a truck driver, because according to them I just wanted to show off that I could also do what men could do.

“Even at some locations where I go to deliver goods, I have met women, who deliberately delayed me for seven to eight days without offloading their goods, and they will tell you “no be you say you wan do man work, when your mates dey husband house.”

“What many of them do not realise is that I love my job, and I love driving, it is a means of livelihood for me and a source of support for my family,” she said.

Kefikebusa said that she resolved not to take their insults to heart, as she had equally met some very nice women, who were very supportive, encouraged her, and made her comfortable in the course of her job.

The passionate truck driver, explained that she had also met supportive men as well as unsupportive ones, especially among her colleagues, who felt threatened that a woman was also driving a truck .

She, however , called on the Federal and State Governments to improve on the security on the road and make the road infrastructure better for motorists.

She also advised young people especially women, to pursue their dreams with determination, irrespective of cultural stereotypes, and nothing would be impossible for them to achieve.

Several women abuse me for being a truck driver