Lagos State Government has announced plans to cushion the effect of fuel scarcity and naira notes scarcity in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this on Wednesday at a media briefing, during which he appreciated Lagosians for their patience in the face of the hardship brought about by the crisis.
Read Also: INEC Insists On Election Timeline Despite Fuel Scarcity, Limited Availability Of Naira Notes
According to the governor, measures include approval for fuel stations to operate on a 24-hour basis.
He said;
We have taken some steps to cushion the effects of these measures that were announced at the federal level but with telling effects on states.
There have been talks between the state government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on the lingering fuel shortage.
The NNPC Limited demanded Ijegun Egba tank owners and operators should have unhindered access to the tank farms where about 40 per cent of petroleum products come from. We have been able to do that by rearranging the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, the dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms. The road is over 50 per cent completed. Now, you would have noticed some improvement in the supply of petroleum products.
Also, we have given approval for 24-hour work at petrol stations around the state.
The Central Bank of Nigeria currency exchange deadline has, no doubt, caused some dislocation. Lagos is Nigeria’s business and financial engine room. So, we have recently felt the effects of this measure.
The governor expressed delight that the Supreme Court had ruled that old naira notes could still be in circulation beyond the February 10 deadline set by the CBN.
Sanwo-Olu then announced a 50 per cent cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services, taking effect from Thursday for the next seven days.
He added:
I have directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the state to cater for the vulnerable. We will distribute foodstuff to various communities.
The governor, however, warned mischief makers against using the current hardship to incite violence in the state.
