FG deploys security agencies to enforce use of PoS, bank transfers at filling stations

Solomon Ekanem 13:31 - 10 February 2023

'How I used online app to defraud POS operators' – Suspect. [thenewsguru]

The Federal Government in its bid to mitigate the looming cash crunch suffered by Nigerians across the country has commenced the deployment of security agencies in filling stations to enforce the use of point-of-sales machines and acceptance of bank transfers.

The move became vital as reports made the rounds that several oil marketers and several outlets had rejected the use of POS terminals and also, rejected cash transfers from customers thus making life very unbearable for most customers.

The directive which was sent to the oil marketers was delivered in a statement issued in Abuja by General Manager, Corporate Communications, and Stakeholders Management, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA Kimchi Apollo.

Part of the statement from NMDPRA read “The authority frowns at this recent behaviour which is causing untold hardship for Nigerians at a time when all hands should be on deck to assist the government in the transition to the new naira.

“All retail outlets are directed to ensure the free use of POS and bank transfer for the sale of petroleum products to alleviate the suffering of customers at this critical time.”

While the FG vowed to deal with some of the marketers who rejected the use of PoS machines or bank transfers from customers, the oil marketers however, complained of being hit by a severe cash crunch which had made them miss out on buying products as they could not gather enough cash to restock as the banks could not also, provide them with the cash.

According to the Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abuja-Suleja, Mohammed Shuaibu, the marketers were also severely affected by the cash crunch.

“This naira scarcity could also be a factor contributing to the queues in many filling stations. If there was enough naira, the service to customers in retail outlets would be faster, but people hardly get money to go to the market, not to talk of filling stations,” he stated.

The NMDPRA also stated that it would work with law enforcement agencies to enforce the use of PoS machines and acceptance of cash transfers at retail outlets, stressing that oil marketers who flout the directive would be dealt with.