Petrol, food prices hike hits Kebbi

Gas investment remains Nigeria’s priority, says Buhari
Scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has hit Kebbi State, as some petrol stations sell at N190 per litre.

In a chat with The Guardian in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday, a commercial driver, identified as Alhaji Hassan, expressed dismay over the scarcity, urging the authorities to urgently address the issue.

In a related development, the prices of food items have continued to soar, as a bag of rice that was sold before at N22,000 now sells at N25,000.

Prices of other foodstuff like onions and tomatoes were also high.

IN far away Paris, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured investors that investment in gas remains a top priority for the country, considering the huge benefits in terms of returns and utility.

Receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Total, Patrick Pouyanne, yesterday, Buhari noted that Nigeria had made huge investments in gas, and would continue to create opportunities for expansion, while looking at renewable energy alternatives.

According to the President, Nigeria remains mindful of the zero emission target by 2060, and has already started putting in place necessary structures that will ensure balance and safety for citizens and the global community.

The CEO of Total said the French company had been greatly encouraged by the interest and support for investors in the country, and would continue to explore opportunities of mutual interest.

Pouyanne noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) led by Mele Kyari had provided a strong support base and partnership for growth, assuring the President that investments in the gas sector would be sustained, with consideration for renewable energy.

Buhari also declared that his administration was committed to an infrastructure renaissance for Nigeria.

Speaking with the President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasser, at the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, Buhari said: “We are struggling very hard on infrastructure, because there can’t be sustainable development without it. Considering the vastness of our country, we need roads, rail, power, airports, housing, and that is what we have engaged ourselves with in the past six years. Our people are seeing the new developments.

“Relative to the resources available to us, we have not done badly. When infrastructure is in place, our people can look after themselves.”

He thanked IsDB for its help so far, saying: “What we are so dependent on (crude oil) has lost a lot of energy. It is coming back gradually, and we are breathing a bit more with some confidence. But we expect greater cooperation from you.”