Nigeria: Fuel Scarcity - El-Rufai Directs Security Agents to Arrest Petrol Hawkers

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday directed security men to enforce the ban on the hawking of petroleum products in the state as part of efforts to contain the scarcity of the products.

The directive was contained in a statement issued in Kaduna by Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity.

According to the statement, filling stations across the state would no longer dispense the products in Jerry cans and related containers.

The statement said that the ban was part of the decisions taken during Tuesday's state Security Council meeting.

It said that security agencies had been directed to enforce the ban in accordance with the Kaduna State Petroleum Products (Anti-Hoarding and Adulteration) Law of 1992.

The statement said that the ban prohibited sales of petroleum products in Jerry cans throughout the 23 local government areas of the state by hawkers.

"This law empowers the task force to ensure that petroleum product were sold in a safe manner, with stiff penalty on violators.

"Council based its decision on legal and security considerations, compounded by the environmental hazard petroleum products in Jerry cans can cause," it stated.

The government also advised the public to help uphold and enforce the ban to ensure that fuel was only dispensed at filling stations.

"The Security Council unanimously agreed to ban the sale and urged motorists to remain calm as government was taking measures to address the current scarcity.

"The state government is working with the NNPC and other agencies to reduce the hardship associated with the shortages of petroleum products.

"Council also observed that the unsafe handling of petroleum products during periods like this has been associated with fires, destruction and fatal consequences for innocent victims.

"Council further warned those engaged in sabotage and illegal sale of petroleum products in the state to desist with immediate effect.

"The Security Council also directed the arrest and prosecution of those found violating the ban, and the outright confiscation of any petroleum product found in their possession, " the statement said.

The council's meeting which was presided over by the governor, was attended by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Barnabas Bala, representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy.