Reps ask govt to reopen the South East fuel depots

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the federal government to ensure an immediate resuscitation of shut down petroleum depots in Enugu, Abia and Benue States, which serviced states in the south-eastern part of the country, Benue and Taraba States.

Supply and loading of petroleum products in the affected states have been relatively difficult for years after the Petroleum Product Marketing Company depots became non-functional in 2003, 2005, and 2007 respectively.

"Because of these idle depots, so many people have lost their investments and some have even died in the process," said Nasir Rabe (PDP, Katsina). "And the multiplier [effect] of the non-functioning of these depots on unemployment can be felt much in those places too."

Black market

Reports from the area say most of the south-eastern states and some in the north-central region have not enjoyed the reduced cost of petrol as introduced by the federal government last year. Petrol still sells at ₦70 and above there.

The non-functioning of the depots means fuel supply to the area is being sourced from nearby depots, creating the tendency for scarcity and enabling a huge black market sales.

"Nobody should support the activities of these black marketers," said an Enugu State representative, Peace Nnaji, the sponsor of the motion.

The House called on the government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company Limited, to undertake an urgent re-opening of the depots in the area.