A lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Oboku Oforji, on Thursday, accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and major marketers of creating a monopoly in the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Oforji, who stated his sentiment during plenary in Abuja, expressed concerns about the exclusive rights granted to NNPCL and major marketers to lift PMS from refineries, arguing that this practice was detrimental to consumers and the economy.
He likened the situation to a “greed-driven monopoly” that has resulted in the ongoing scarcity of petrol in Nigeria.
“The House is worried that NNPCL and the major marketers are exclusive off-takers, which spells monopoly and is equivalent to greed,” Oforji said.
“This is the same NNPCL that has failed to manage our crude and refineries for decades.”
The lawmaker emphasized that the continued monopoly of NNPCL and major marketers will exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians caused by fuel shortages. He warned that the economic implications of such scarcity could be severe.
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Oforji referenced a viral video of the late MKO Abiola, who lamented the lack of transparency and accountability within NNPCL. He argued that allowing NNPCL and major marketers to dominate the fuel distribution market is not in the best interest of the country.
“No wonder the late MKO Abiola of blessed memory, in a viral video some years ago, lamented that the NNPCL lacks transparency and accountability,” Oforji said. “The House is disturbed that allowing the NNPCL and major marketers to lift Premium Motor Spirit from the refinery to the exclusion of independent marketers is not good enough.”
Oforji’s statement comes amidst ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. The scarcity of petrol has led to long queues at filling stations, disruptions in transportation, and increased costs for businesses and individuals.
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