7th September, 2012
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that 21 ships laden with fuel were waiting to berth at various oil terminals in Lagos ports.
The Shipping Position, a document of the NPA, made available on Friday indicated that 15 of the ships were carrying petrol.
It reported that two ships had diesel and two were laden with kerosene.
The document reported that one ship had aviation fuel, while one had bulk gas.
It indicated that 10 ships had various cargoes like rice, fertiliser, general cargoes and soda ash.
One hundred and eight ships are expected to arrive in the Lagos ports in September.
Twenty five of the ships would arrive with used and new vehicles.
Meanwhile, major oil marketers on Friday in Abuja promised to ensure steady supply of petroleum products in the country.
They urged Nigerians to shun rumours which would lead them to panic buying of the products.
Mr Dipo Makanjuola, the General Manager of Folawiyo Energy Limited, gave the assurance when he addressed newsmen after a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“We have resolved to collaborate with government in the effort to sanitise the system.’’
He added that the ongoing verification of outstanding claims by a firm of auditors would be concluded by the end of next week for payment to commence afterwards.
“We are all basically on the same page. We hope that subsequently, we can move from there and continue to support government on the challenge.
“We want to assure Nigerians that there is no need for panic buying. There is adequate product in the country and distribution will be done,’’ he said.
Mr Venkataraman Venkatapathy, Managing Director, NIPCO PLC, said the meeting had made the marketers to appreciate what the government was facing.
“We have understood the position of government and it is very encouraging to know that there is enough support for us, and I am also happy to say that we have received most of the payments.
“As far as NIPCO is concerned, there is no product scarcity from our terminal. Be assured that we will be supporting government’s initiatives.
“There is no cause to panic, with time and continued discussion, Nigerians will be happy with no scarcity’’, he said.
Also, Mr Yomi Awobokun, Chief Executive Officer of Oando Marketing Plc, said the marketers were happy with the ongoing verification of their claims, adding that the ministry had assured them that the government was not broke.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that distribution continues, we will continue to distribute the products.
“The NNPC has been very supportive; there is a lot of oil in Apapa’’, he said.
Mr Francois Bussagol, Managing Director of Total Nigeria PLC, also said there was no reason to panic, adding:“I am confident that the normal process of importation will resume very soon.’’ (NAN)