By Romanus Ojotule
As part of measures to forestall scarcity of petroleum products as a result of the anticipated floods, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority,(NMDPRA), has provided alternative routes for tanker drivers to ensure hitch free distribution of the product.
The move is part of the proactive measures being adopted to avert a repeat of the 2022 flooding incident were major roads in Lokoja were submerged in water thereby causing queues and scarcity of petroleum products in Abuja and other neighbouring states.
Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Engr. Ogbe Godwin disclosed this in a chat with The Graphic in his office in Lokoja recently.
He listed specific routes earmarked for those trucking products from Lagos to Abuja in the event Lokoja roads are cut off during the anticipated floods to include: Ilorin-Makwa-Jeba-Suleja-Abuja or the Lagos-Akure-Okene-Ajaokuta- Makurdi route.
For tanker drivers heading to Abuja through Kogi West, he said the agancy has earmarked the Suleja-Ilorin-Egbe-Yagba- Kabba route.
Also those traveling through Kogi East are encouraged to use the Makurdi-Ankpa-Anyigba-Ajaokua-Suleja or Ilorin-Kabba-Okene-Itobe-Anyigba route as well as the Suleja-Keffi-Nassarawa-Makurdi-Anyigba route.
Those traveling through Kogi Central have been encouraged to use the Suleja-Itobe-Ilorin-Kabba-Kogi route.
According to him, since Kogi is a gateway state that shares borders with nine other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, it has been put on red alert by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) due to the impending flood.
He further explained that the move was part of efforts to ensure availability of the product in the event Lokoja roads are cut off during the anticipated floods.
Engr. Ogbe advised petroleum marketers to adhere strictly to the directive, just as he stressed the need for them to put their storage and underground tanks in proper shape so as to avoid water contermination.
In addition, he warned relevant stakeholders against hoarding or diversion of products or other related issues that might lead to artificial scarcity. He also cautioned the public against panic buying as the agancy was working to ensure adequate supply and distribution of petroleum products during this period.
