*Scarcity: Normalcy returns as fuel stations get supply of petroleum products*

Queues have begun to vanish from filling stations across Nigeria’s major cities after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd intervened in the logistic issues that had breached the supply of premium motor spirit (PMS).

Findings by this newspaper across filling stations in Abuja showed that queues are disappearing and normalcy has returned.

Queues have disappeared from most filling stations across major locations like Kubwa, Central Area, Wuse, Maitama, and Gwarimpa.

Speaking on the development, a top official said, “The fuel stations round shows that the situation is calm. All stations have products and are selling.”

Recall that this newspaper had reported that the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Tuesday warned against panic buying, adding that normalcy would return.

The National Secretary of IPMAN, James Tor, said, “If there is no product, then we can not give out anything. But happily, now, there are products, and the federal government is doing much. yesterday, our national president was explaining to us that the NNPCL has opened up some of their depots so that we can have products supplied and distributed to the public.

“The president (IPMAN) even called me this morning (April 30, 2024) about the increase in the supply. So, what we are witnessing is just a bridge of what is going on and what is going on.

“But happily enough, I want to announce to the public that there shouldn’t be any panic buying, because when this thing happens, and people start rushing here and there and trying to accumulate the products, that effect will go a long way to affect everybody.

He explained that Nigeria exists in a global system that is influenced by the crisis in the Middle East between the Israelis and Iran.

“All these things if we put them together (impacts the Nigerian market),” Tor said, adding “any slightest thing that happens in the world, will affect the supply and distribution of petroleum products”

However, he expressed confidence in the role of the NNPCL in playing in ensuring energy security for Nigerians.

Tor said, “Good enough, an NNPC is ready and has opened up some of the depots so that they will start bringing in our product for distribution. I want to assure you that in any moment from now, you will see that the queues will be going down because they have intensified the supply.

“With what the NNPC is doing, very in a little, few days, you will start seeing the impact of what they are doing because IPMAN is involved.”

Aviation Minister, Keyamo Join Other World Leaders For Dominican Republic Conference

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK) has joined his counterparts across the globe for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conference holding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The world aviation forum, titled Global Implementation Support Symposium 2024 kicked off today with other distinguished Ministers and Secretaries of Aviation from across the globe in attendance. With over 600 delegates in attendance, this symposium marks a pivotal moment for the aviation industry.

Themed “Optimizing Aviation Capacity: Strategies for Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” this year’s symposium promises captivating discussions and enlightening sessions aimed at shaping the trajectory of global aviation. Attendees can expect to delve into pressing topics including “Building Capacity for an Effective and Sustainable Air Transportation System,” “Safeguarding the Skies: A Deep Dive into Aviation Cybersecurity,” “Scaling Up Global Collaboration for LTAG Implementation,” and “Future-Ready Aviation Workforce: Embracing Mobility and Agility.”

As the aviation community convenes in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, stakeholders are poised to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of aviation operations worldwide. The symposium serves as a platform for experts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of the industry.

Stay tuned for updates as the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2024 unfolds, charting a course towards safer skies and a more resilient aviation ecosystem.

Tunde Moshood
SA Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is set to commence the construction of a state-of-the-art hostel block for the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The project, which is being executed under the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), will provide contemporary hostel accommodation for undergraduate students within the university’s main campus. The proposed hostel facility will accommodate 108 students with other auxiliary facilities such as laundries, kitchenettes, common rooms, and the warden’s room.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed joy for having the University as one of the beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He extended the University’s appreciation to the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu and added that upon completion, a large number of students will have access to hostel accommodation thereby reducing the number of students that are exposed to insecurity and other vices outside the university campus.

In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, affirmed the excellent reputation of the University of Minna which ranked amongst the top 10 Nigerian universities and top 2500 in the world by Webometrics. He applauded the management of the university for prioritizing the security of their students amidst the institution’s quantum of needs. In his words, “The choice of this project will facilitate the relocation of the university’s temporary accommodations back into the main campus”. Dr Udoh urged the student to ensure proper use of the building which is constructed with state-of-the-art facilities.

The hostel accommodation is designed to have an apartment styled accommodations with each room having an en-suite bath and water closet facilities. This model of each room having its independent convenience and shower has been found to engender hygiene and a sense of responsibility amongst the students which is what the university aim to achieve among its students.

About ASR Africa

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.