The Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee in Kogi, has assured members of the public , in the state of its resolve to guard against fuel scarcity, particularly during festive and electioneering periods in the area.

Mr Otayitie Eminefo, the Chairman of   Committee, gave the assurance at the inaugural meeting with relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector on Thursday in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that that Kogi government, on Nov. 1, inaugurated a 7-man Committee to monitor the sale of petroleum products, to avoid hoarding and scarcity during festival and election periods.

Eminefo, who doubles as the Special Adviser to the Gov, Yahaya Bello on Energy and Power, urged stakeholders to support the committee to enable it actualise its terms of reference.

According to him, the committee is collaborating with NNPC, DPR and security agencies for proper monitoring of petroleum products meant for Kogi; from loading to the sales point.

“We are ready to work, cordially, with petroleum marketers and tanker drivers association and all that involved in the value-chain, to help resolve any arising issue at anytime.

“We have interacted with relevant stakeholders to understand our modus operandi and mandates, their own roles and responsibilities as enshrined in the law.

“Adequate measures have been put in place to ensure smooth processes.

“Sanctions will be applied to any infraction from anybody in order to ease the burden of the people,” Eminefo said.

He also assured the people that Bello would ensure that they get fuel and other products, at the right time, regular price and quantity.

“The business owners in Kogi should be rest assured that their business are protected, because the state government will continue to create the enabling environment for them to excel.”

Shaibu Audu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Command, Kogi promised that the police would synergise with other security agencies to ensure that products meant for Kogi get to the state.

“We will ensure that occasional and unwarranted fuel scarcity during elections and festival periods, especially December; becomes a thing of the past and everything will be done peacefully,” Audu said.

Mr Mohammed Yusuf, Chairman, Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association (PTDA),Lokoja branch pledged association’s support to the committee for it to fulfill its commended.

“We will coordinate our drivers and ensure that the products are made available and avoid issues of diversion and other anomalies. It is a good development,” Yusuf said.

Adesina Michael, Head of Operations, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDCD), Kogi Command, stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure total compliance to the rules and regulations guiding the oil and gas sector. (NAN)