By Juliana MAIRIGA, Minna
Minister of state in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari has said that the Federal Government would soon release the palliatives that would cushion the effect of the recent increase in the pump price of petrol.
Bawa Bwari who made this known in Minna Niger state recently while speaking at the opening of the 14th Niger state National Trade Fair also disclosed that other palliatives in the 2016 budget would also be speedily implemented by the government in the interest of Nigerians.
According to the Minister, part of the palliatives would be the ‘freeing up’ of foreign exchange for use in the provision of critical infrastructure by investors.
He said the federal government was aware of the sacrifices being made by Nigerians and would continue to ensure that whatever money is saved from recent policies is used to strengthen the economy’.
“I want to assure you that government fully appreciates the sacrifices Nigerians are making and will continue to ensure that whatever money is saved from recent policies is used to strengthen the economy and provide job opportunities for our teeming youth”, he said.
Bawa Bwari however advised state governments to look inwards and exploit resources at their disposal to improve their internally generated revenue to augment the resources from the federation account.
He suggested that the trade fair should go beyond exhibition of goods and services adding that it should move to the critical stage of exporting commodities and “helping owners of raw materials to enter into partnership with leading industrialists who need these products.”
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello in an address to declare open the Fair disclosed that the state would provide the needed investment climate for investors to establish their companies and factories in the state.
Sani Bello who said the state “is the most peaceful in the country” advised investors to take full advantage of the opportunity to do business in the state.
Dr Ahmed Mohammed Bakaai, President of the Niger state Chambers of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture organizers of the trade fair commended the Niger state government for creating a favourable climate for investors to operate in the state.
In another development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Niger state have warned its members to desist from selling above N145 approved pump price and desist from sharp practices.
The association declared that it will no longer be business as usual as any member found selling above the approved pump price of N145 will be dealt with.
The Niger state IPMAN Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Ahmad Erena while speaking to newsmen in Minna said that IPMAN have decided to support the government who have done its best in deregulating the oil sector.
Erena said the association will not back or defend any erring members caught selling above the approved pump price, “we are appealing to all independent marketers to cease selling above government approved price because the union will not back you if you are dealt with by relevant authorities.”
He said that IPMAN will start going round with the task force to ensure that the regulations are observed.
Erena lauded the Federal Government for the removal of fuel subsidy adding that it have given independent marketers to be able to get the product on their own which have aided in reducing queues in the country.
“Independent marketers are ready to give the products at government approved price. With the partial deregulation, government has ensured that private sectors sell at the approved price, this is good for us”, the association said.
The IPMAN Boss said that filling stations in the state have been asked to sell at N145 or below but our Correspondent discovered that some are selling above N145 while others have adjusted their pump while selling at N145
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