Be patient with Tinubu, minister begs Nigerians

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu and give him more time to interpret his vision for the country.

Ekpo, in a statement by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, made available to our correspondent in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, said Tinubu had taken bold steps aimed at addressing the economic crisis occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He revealed that some businessmen had taken advantage of subsidised fuel in Nigeria by diverting large volumes to neighbouring countries where they make huge profits, while ordinary Nigerians groan in acute scarcity.

The minister highlighted the huge gas deposits in Nigeria which at present stands at about 209 trillion cubic feet proven reserves with potential reserves increase opportunity to 600trillion cubic feet, adding that  Tinubu meant well in ending fuel subsidy.

He added that the decision has allowed for increased focus and investments in the gas sector and the utilization of gas as an appropriate, more cost-effective, and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel as vehicular fuels.

He said, “Mr. President has a good vision for the country. He has been a player in the industry, and he has seen that gas is cheaper, cleaner, and safer.

“Gas has been abandoned for years, but with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other executive orders, we are now focusing on utilizing our natural gas resources.

“The President is working assiduously to fix things, I urge us all to be patient with him and give him more time to interpret his vision.”

He disclosed that licences have been granted to some companies to take out  the gas flared in the country for commercial purposes, while efforts are ongoing through various government programmes and initiatives to ensure more Nigerians use LPG and CNG for cooking and transportation.