Business
Bayelsa Petrol Dealers Defy Order On Pump Price
Petrol dealers in Yenagoa have defied the Federal Government’s directive fixing the pump price of petrol at N97 per litre.
A recent investigation by our reporter showed that two days after the new price was announced, almost all the major petrol stations in the city are still selling for between N140 and N150 per litre.
Only the NNPC mega station in Yenagoa, which was besieged by motorists and commercial motorcyclists, adjusted its pump price to N97 per litre in accordance with the government directive.
Our correpondent investigations also showed that some of the petrol stations deliberately closed down business to avoid selling their products at the new pump price. The situation had left buyers at the mercy of black marketers, many of whom are still making brisk gain selling at exorbitant rates.
A petrol attendant at one of the petrol stations in Yenagoa, who gave her name as Ruth Ogbu, told newsmen that they were yet to get any directive from their director on the reversal to the new pump price.
She said, “we are still selling at our old price of N150 because our manger said that our director travelled out of town. So until he returns and ask us to adjust, we cannot do so.”
But many motorists, who spoke to our source, condemned the attitude of the petrol dealers. They described them as economic saboteurs, who are out to maximise gain in defiance of the government directive and at the expense of the common man.
Mr. Paul Ufuro, a taxi-cab operator, lamented the travails of motorists, which he said, had been a frustrating experience ever since the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
“These dealers in Bayelsa are greedy. Many of them sold at N200 per litre during the days of the protest over the removal of subsidy. Even up till now, they are still selling at N150 when actually the president had directed them to adjust to N97,’’ he said.
Our source also further learnt that majority of the petrol stations that refused to sell at the new pump price are engaged in illicit business of selling to black marketers at night. The black marketers, in turn, sell to the public at higher rates.
Mr. Bony Izunaso, a petrol station manager, however, defended his co-managers and said that selling at the new pump price would amount to “bad business.’’
Izunaso explained that the dealers had bought the product at higher price during the previous week of the removal of the subsidy.
He said, “let us be frank, at least this is business. How do you want us to make gain by selling our old products at the new price? Actually, it is a good development when the president announced the new pump price, but it would have to take time to enable us sell off our old stock before any adjustment.’’
In his reaction, the Head of Operations of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Bayelsa, Dr. Duncan Eradiri said DPR would ensure that dealers complied with government order.
“We are prepared to compel them to sell at the new price. Even today, we went out and sealed some of the fuel stations that have refused to comply with government’s directive.
“I must say that we will continue to monitor the situation and ensure total compliance by all dealers in the state,’’ Eradiri said.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
