Power Outage, Fuel Scarcity: President Buhari Apologises To Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to citizens over the inconveniences caused by the ongoing fuel scarcity and the recent power outage in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president, speaking through his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu on Wednesday, stated that he believed his administration had successfully averted the issue of shortage of petroleum products.

Buhari added that the government was working round the clock to address the issue.

"The administration knows the fuel shortage has placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologise to all sections of society for this.

"The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue.

"An action plan agreed earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity. Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit.

"Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling. In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.

"Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country.

"The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months, the government will, however,  ensure that consumers are protected against these price spikes."

Commenting on the issue of power outages, the president said, "The blackouts seen in the national grid are also being addressed.

"A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations.

"On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid."