Jonathan’s ex-spokesman praises NNPC’s handling of petrol supply challenges
Ima Niboro
Jonathan’s ex-spokesman praises NNPC’s handling of petrol supply challenges
A former spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ima Niboro, has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. for its professional management of petroleum supply in the country.
In a statement obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, Niboro highlighted that despite numerous challenges, NNPC has successfully navigated the process of delivering petroleum to the nation.
According to the former presidential spokesman, NNPC’s current leadership has played a responsible role in managing the nation’s petroleum supply.
“The NNPC has acted very responsibly, especially under its present leadership. Since it transitioned to a company, it has been run professionally. They have gone above and beyond in fulfilling their role as the nation’s energy supplier of last resort,” Niboro stated.
He revealed that NNPC has been absorbing a significant portion of the petrol cost due to the high landing price, which is around N1,250 per litre.
“The NNPC Ltd. has been shouldering over N600 per litre on every litre of petrol consumed in the country. As the energy supplier of last resort under the Petroleum Industry Act, NNPC has been absorbing half of the cost to ensure energy security for the country,” Niboro explained.
“If NNPC were operating solely as a private company, they would have sold petrol at N1,250 per litre. However, out of patriotism, they have prioritised the welfare of the people over pure profiteering.”
Niboro also called on Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, to follow NNPC’s example by absorbing part of the petroleum supply cost.
“I urge Dangote not to prioritise profit too much at this time. Nigeria has been kind to him, and a little sacrifice in this matter will not make him poorer. He will still make billions from diesel, petrochemicals, and other products from his refinery,” Niboro added.
He further expressed hope that now that the Dangote Refinery is operational, fuel prices will decrease and supply will become more consistent.
“Nigerians expect that with our own refinery, fuel will be cheaper and more available, just like having vegetables grown in your backyard,” he noted.
However, Niboro acknowledged that modern economics does not always work that way, adding, “NNPC has absorbed more than half of the cost for over a year. Let Dangote approach this issue with a similar mindset, and his name will be remembered with great respect.”
He concluded that such an approach would not only benefit Nigerians but would also solidify Dangote’s legacy.