ECOWAS Observer Tasks Buhari On Measures To Tackle Fuel, Cash Scarcity

The Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Observer Mission to Nigeria has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration to be proactive in addressing the fuel and cash scarcity citizens of the country are facing.

The commission further noted that the insecurity crisis in the country should be resolved before the February 25 presidential election.

The mission, led by former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, gave the charge during his visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on Wednesday in Abuja.

“We have had some concerns on the availability of fuel.

Its limitation will affect the movement of everybody, including INEC.

“Another concern is that of the scarcity of cash – the limited liquidity in the system.

"This has been a concern that has been raised by our observers and also the political parties that we have met.

“Now, in addition to these two general concerns, there are security issues that affect specific locations and regions.

“These are all issues that we will want the government to address as we are going into these all-important elections,” Koroma said.

Responding, Onyeama disclosed the scarcity of naira and fuel has been a huge challenge for the government.

He, however, disclosed that the government is currently taking measures to suppress the burden on Nigerians.

“On the issue of cash availability and fuel – huge challenges.

"But I do understand that there are measures that are being taken in respect of fuel scarcity.

“Banks should be more readily available and the financial institutions will put the N200 notes in circulation.”

Ahead of the election, Onyeama enjoined politicians and their respective parties to be peaceful and orderly all through the election period.