…Lagos Govt assures of traffic flow along Lekki-Ajah corridor
By Rotimi Asher, Lagos
Fleets of trucks belonging to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, were seen loading Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol at Dangote Refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, yesterday.
It would be recalled that Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Product had earlier announced that loading of the first batch of petrol from the Dangote Refinery will commence on September 15.
The trucks were seen in videos posted on the X handle of the Dangote Group.
The NNPC stated, “In preparation for the Dangote Refinery’s scheduled petrol loading on September 15, 2024, NNPC Ltd has been mobilising trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki. As of Saturday afternoon, NNPC Ltd had deployed over 100 trucks, with hundreds more en route”.
Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and member of the Presidential Committee, Dr Zacch Adedeji, while briefing journalists last Friday said that from October 1, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira.
“I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery, adding that Dangote Refinery will in return supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira.
Other agreements reached by the committee include the sale of Diesel in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker while PMS will only be sold to NNPC.
According to the FIRS Chairman, “From October 1, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira.
“In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira.
“Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now. All associated regulatory costs will also be paid for in Naira”.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has promised a comprehensive traffic management strategy to guarantee uninterrupted traffic flow along Lekki-Ajah corridor.
The measure is in view of Dangote Refinery’s commencement of fuel distribution to outlets, yesterday.
Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation,Mr Sola Giwa, made this known in a statement at the weekend.
The statement was signed by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Transport Management Agency, LASTMA, Mr Taofiq Adebayo.
It quoted Giwa as saying that LASTMA had been fortified with state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel which would be strategically deployed to oversee and regulate traffic flow within the affected areas.
He reassured residents and commuters in the Lekki-Ajah vicinity that thorough preparations had been made, urging them to remain calm and confident in the state government’s capabilities.
“In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, LASTMA has mobilised advanced tow trucks and emergency response equipment to promptly address anticipated potential traffic disruptions.
“Medical ambulance services are also on high alert to ensure rapid response in emergency situations”, the special adviser said.
He said that it was imperative for tanker operators to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, particularly during loading and navigation, within the Lekki-Ajah axis.
Giwa, said that the state government would rigorously enforce the regulations to avert traffic disruptions and ensure seamless vehicular movement.
“The Lagos State Government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ welfare and maintaining orderly traffic during this pivotal period of industrial activity.
“All motoring public, particularly commercial bus operators, including mini-bus drivers, are hereby cautioned to comply with traffic laws refraining them from picking up, or dropping, passengers at undesignated bus stops.
“They are urged to avoid driving against traffic. They are also advised to observe all road signs, including traffic signals, among other regulations.
“Adherence to these regulations will ensure a harmonious and efficient transportation system”, he said.
