Fuel Queues Return in Abuja, Ogun, Kogi, Other States as Minister Appeals for Calm

Long fuel queues have resurfaced in Abuja, Ogun, and several other states as oil marketers shut down filling stations amidst concerns over a planned nationwide protest. Filling stations in Abuja and neighboring states, including Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi, closed on Friday. Even retail outlets operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other brands like Salbas Oil, Eterna, and Gegu Oil halted fuel dispensing along the Kubwa-Zuba expressway.

Oil marketers cited the unavailability of fuel and apprehension over the impending protest as reasons for the closures. This situation led to long queues at the few stations still operational, such as AYM Shafa in Dei-Dei and the NNPC in Zuba, Niger State. In Lagos State, the fear of fuel scarcity grew as numerous filling stations ceased operations. Correspondents observed that the few stations still selling fuel charged as much as N800 per litre.

In Ogun State, particularly in the Magboro and Ibafo areas along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, motorists faced significant delays. At Quest Filling Station in Magboro, only one out of three pumps was operational, leading to extensive queues. Saheed, a commercial bus driver, expressed his frustration after waiting over an hour to refuel, impacting his schedule and causing passenger complaints. Similar scenes were witnessed at NIPCO Filling Station in Magboro, where diesel was priced at N1,200 per litre, and petrol at N675 per litre.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, appealed for calm and urged Nigerians to avoid participating in the proposed protest. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges through strategic policies. Lokpobiri acknowledged the frustration among Nigerians but warned against actions that could lead to instability. He called for unity and patience, underscoring the importance of dialogue over protest. The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts under President Bola Tinubu to revitalize the economy.

In contrast, Kwara State experienced no fuel queues. Petrol was sold between N600 and N800 per litre, with various stations operating normally.

The House of Representatives has initiated a full-scale investigation into the crude oil supply chain and the quality of imported and refined petroleum products. This move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the nation’s petroleum sector. Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, announced the investigation during a retreat in Port Harcourt, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards and security in the petroleum industry. The investigation will involve detailed laboratory testing and inspections of refineries, filling stations, depots, and tank farms. Ugochinyere called for cooperation from all stakeholders to support the inquiry, which aims to restore trust and ensure the sector’s integrity.