Fuel Scarcity Looms in Abuja, Northern Nigeria

Fuel scarcity is imminent in Abuja and parts of Northern Nigeria following the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, a key transit point for petroleum product distribution. The collapse, caused by a devastating flood that killed over 150 people according to official estimates, has stranded fuel trucks and disrupted logistics ahead of the Eid al-Adha holidays scheduled for June 6 and 9.

The Mokwa Bridge serves as the main link between Southwestern Nigeria—including Lagos, where Dangote Refinery is located—and the North. With its collapse, petroleum tankers en route to Abuja and other northern cities have been forced to turn back, triggering concerns of limited supply during one of the country’s busiest travel and consumption periods.

Officials at MRS and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations in Abuja have raised alarms over the disruption. An MRS representative, who asked not to be named, warned that the collapsed bridge could severely impact fuel availability during the Sallah holidays, though he noted the pump price of petrol would remain at N895 per litre for now. A source at NNPCL echoed this concern, adding that while rerouting through Port Harcourt and Warri is possible, the efficiency and scale of these alternatives remain uncertain.

Despite these warnings, leaders from major fuel marketers’ associations offered a more optimistic outlook. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN), assured that adequate supply would be maintained through alternative routes from Rivers and Delta States. He emphasized that his members are coordinating with suppliers like 11 PLC and Matrix to ensure a steady flow of fuel to Abuja and beyond, minimizing the impact of the Mokwa disruption.

However, James Tor, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), was less assured. He emphasized that the federal government must act swiftly to repair the collapsed bridge or provide a viable alternate route to avoid supply bottlenecks during the Sallah celebrations. According to him, the broken link threatens the free movement of goods and people, potentially leading to fuel shortages in the days ahead.

The developments come as fuel prices have recently seen a slight reduction, with NNPCL and its partners adjusting prices to between N875 and N910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja. The looming scarcity, if not addressed swiftly, could undermine these efforts and create fresh supply challenges for millions of Nigerians preparing for the holiday.