The Federal Government on Thursday began deploying security agencies at filling stations across the country to accept the use of Point of Sale machines and bank transfers at various outlets.
He said the move became necessary as some supply stations were rejecting customers’ POS machines and bank transfers, despite the severe cash crunch at the national level today.
The government through its Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority made the announcement by the agency’s Director General, Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Management Kimchi Apollo in Abuja.
The statement read in part: “It has been brought to the attention of the NMDPRA that some retail outlets are not allowing the use of Point of Sale machines in their dispensing areas due to the recent cash crunch brought about by the new naira design.
“The authority frowns on this latest behavior which is causing immense hardship to Nigerians at a time when all hands should be on deck to help the government transition to the new naira.
“All retail outlets are committed to ensuring the free use of POS and bank transfers for the sale of petroleum products to ease the suffering of customers at this critical time.”
The NMDPRA said it will work with law enforcement agencies to allow the use of POS machines and cash transfers at outlets, stressing that oil traders who flout the directive will be dealt with.
“Authorities and security agencies will be present at retail outlets to ensure compliance with this directive and any petrol station that violates this directive will be duly sanctioned.
“We assure the general public of our commitment to ensure good quality service in the sale and distribution of petroleum products across the nation.”
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