The Kebbi government has sought the support and cooperation of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to reduce the hardships residents face following fuel scarcity.

Long queues in filling stations have surfaced, especially in the state capital, while many filling stations were under lock and key.

Commissioner for commerce Usman Abubakar-Ladan and information commissioner Yakubu Ahmed-BK met with IPMAN to deliberate on bringing immediate solutions to the menace.

IPMAN executives in Kebbi, alongside other key stakeholders, attended the meeting where issues surrounding the cause of fuel scarcity in the state were discussed, and possible solutions were offered.

In separate interviews shortly after the meeting, the two commissioners said Governor Nasir Idris was highly disturbed by the situation in Birnin Kebbi, hence the decision to call for an immediate reverse of the trend.

Mr Abubakar-Ladan said the government observed with dismay the current fuel situation, especially in Birnin Kebbi, adding that the meeting was successful as it deliberated on a number of issues and the way forward.

Mr Ahmed-BK said the essence of the meeting was to bring succour to the people, saying, “Any hardship like this one bothers the government a lot. Some people insinuated that some filling stations are hoarding fuel, and one of the decisions that would have been taken if it were proven there was hoarding is for the government to ask the task force, which has always been in place, to take action and deal with the situation appropriately.”

The commissioner appealed to the people of Birnin Kebbi and its environs to be patient and remain calm, insisting that the meeting held with IPMAN was a testimony that the government was seriously concerned about their plights and was addressing them.

IPMAN chair in Kebbi, Buhari Aliyu-Koko, commended the government for its foresight in organising the meeting, adding that by the meeting, the government now understood where exactly the problem was.

Mr Aliyu-Koko assured that IPMAN was fully ready to give the government all the necessary support and cooperation to alleviate people’s suffering.

(NAN)