Fuel scarcity over in days —Minister

By Emanuel Elebeke
ABUJA — The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the current fuel scarcity in the country will be over in a matter of days, following the approval of the subsidy payment by the National Assembly.
The minister, who gave the assurance during a visit to the headquarters of the Daily Trust newspaper in Abuja, yesterday, explained that the N521 billion approved by the National Assembly, as part of the supplementary budget of N574.4 billion, would be enough to cover the fuel subsidy till the end of the year.
He also said the kind of fuel scarcity that has triggered vehicular queues across the country would no longer repeat itself.
He said: “We can confidently announce here today that the scarcity will end in a few days. Subsidy payment till the end of the year has been approved by the National Assembly. As you know we can’t spend money without approval.’’
The minister thanked the management and staff of the newspaper for the role they played during the last general elections.
He said: “The sacrifice you made helped to bring about the change that Nigerians desired. You stood by the people of Nigeria when it mattered most, and we will continue to engage with you all through the tenure of this Administration to exchange ideas in the interest of Nigerians.”
The minister, however, used the occasion to announce a plan to set up an adhoc committee, comprising representatives of the government, the military and the media to enhance the exchange of information, especially concerning the war against terrorism.
He also informed that the 2016 budget would soon be submitted to the National Assembly, which he said would address the yearnings of Nigerians.