End of fuel black marketing in Katsina
By Abdul-Hamid Danjuma Kastina
Prior to the introduction of petroleum downstream deregulation policy by the Obasanjo led federal government, millions of Nigerians underwent through different agonies due to lack of adequate petroleum products, especially at the filling stations. However, the arrival of this policy greeted by jubilation, cheers and applause by the majority of Nigerians, especially the motorists and passengers and the generality of other citizens. In Katsina state, the story was never different, a s law abiding citizens did suffer similar hardships in search of fuel, a commodity that is produced on the Nigerian land, owned by Nigerians and manipulated by selfish and greedy Nigerians!
The recent establishment of NNPC Mega Station in Katsina metropolis, which is being managed by African Petroleum, AP has caused relief, joy and ease to thousands of motorists, kerosene, petrol and diesel users for domestic and commercial purposes. This writer could recall vividly that in the last two decades or so, petrol, diesel and kerosene were not sold in the state at filling stations and at controlled prices!
Then on the other hand, whatever good is done to the people, certainly, there are saboteurs and mischief makers who would always swear to ensure that no matter its relevance to the lives of the people, it ends in vain and with no success at all. The NNPC Mega Station in Katsina is therefore not spared, nor is it a sacrificial lamb that could not face the usual attempt to bring it to its knees.
However, the good citizens of the state are quite aware of the on-going evil machinations and bad plot to cripple the effort of the Mega Station. This is caused by local fuel black marketers who regard the emergence of the station as the end of their selfish gains or profits to ensure the perpetual maintenance of fuel scarcity, so that they could utilize or capitalize on the situation to enjoy uninterrupted nefarious business.
But the constant prayers being offered in Mosques and Churches in Katsina for the sustenance and protection of the Mega Station will not be in vain. Moreover, volunteers are on red alert to ensure that whatever lawful is to be done to give maximum security to the station will be done no matter whose ox is gored.
It is interesting to note that even at the black market, especially in Katsina metropolis, the prices of petrol and kerosene have started falling. Thanks to NNPC Mega Station.
I wonder why some people do not see the lines in between their eyes. These three products (petrol, kerosene and diesel) are continuously sold at the Mega Station at NNPC approved and controlled prices. What a big relief and joy to the teeming residents and visitors to Katsina state!
Usually during Xmas and yuletide celebrations, petrol hawkers use to hoard the commodity and create artificial scarcity for their gain and selfish interest, but the story is not the same today. Let whoever is interested visit the state capital now to see thing for him/her self. Petroleum users in Katsina have every cause to continue to smile because they know that the petrol they purchase at the Mega Station is genuine and cheaper.
In conclusion, it is hoped that customers, well-meaning individuals, government and the elites will continue to support the station for the sustenance of constant supply of the products to the state. If this is done, then for many years to come, Katsina people will continue to enjoy the presence of federal government or else we shall remain at a loss. The good people of this state should not draw back the clock and neither should they allow themselves to be plunged back to the era of fuel scarcity and the dark days. A stitch in time saves nine.

Abdul-Hamid Danjuma Katsina can be reahed at abdulhamiddanjuma01@yahoo.com .