THANK GOD: Fuel Scarcity Nearly Over – Minister

Nigeria’s ongoing fuel scarcity could nearly be at an end.

Following approval of the subsidy payment by the National Assembly, the minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has re-assured Nigerians that the current fuel scarcity would be over in a few days.

The minister, who was quoted by Daily Trust, also said the 2016 budget, which is to be submitted to the National Assembly soon, “will address the yearnings of Nigerians”.

“We can confidently announce here today that the scarcity will end in a few days. Subsidy payments till the end of the year have been approved by the National Assembly. As you know we can’t spend money without approval,” he said.

Mohammed said that the N521 billion approved by the National Assembly, as part of the supplementary budget of N574.4 billion, would be enough to cover the fuel subsidy until the end of the year.

He said that the current fuel scarcity will not be repeated, adding that “we won’t be caught in this kind of situation again.”

The minister thanked the management and staff of the Daily Trust newspaper for the role they played in the general election.

“The sacrifice you made helped to bring about the change that Nigerians desired. You stood by the people when it mattered most, and we will continue to engage with you all through the tenure of this administration to exchange ideas in the interest of Nigerians,” he said.

Lai Mohammed also announced a plan to set up an ad hoc committee comprised of the representatives of the government, military and media to enhance the exchange of information, especially on the war against terrorism.