Fears of fuel scarcity are mounting in Abuja and across Northern Nigeria following the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which has severely disrupted the transportation of petroleum products ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The bridge, which collapsed last Wednesday after catastrophic flooding that reportedly claimed at least 153 lives according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), serves as a critical link between Northern Nigeria and the southwestern part of the country.

Senior officials from MRS and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations in Abuja have warned that the bridge collapse could lead to petroleum product shortages during the upcoming Sallah holidays scheduled for June 6th and 9th, 2025.

Speaking anonymously, an MRS official told DAILY POST: "Most of the petrol trucks are stranded due to the Mokwa Niger State bridge collapse. Honestly, I foresee fuel scarcity in Abuja and some parts of Northern Nigeria. I hope the government fixes the bridge on time, as our trucks had already made a u-turn, which is more expensive and time-consuming." The official, however, assured that petrol prices would remain at N895 per litre during the Sallah break.

A source at NNPCL echoed these concerns, noting that fuel scarcity could materialize if adequate supply does not come from alternative routes such as Port Harcourt and Warri. The situation is particularly concerning as Dangote Refinery, Nigeria's only domestic producer of petroleum, is located in Lekki, Lagos State, making the Mokwa Bridge the most direct route for transporting fuel to Abuja and the northern regions.

Mixed Reactions from Industry Stakeholders

Industry stakeholders have offered differing perspectives on the potential impact. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN), downplayed concerns, assuring that members would ensure adequate petrol supply through alternative sources and routes.

"One or two companies' experiences in Abuja will not bring scarcity of petrol supply in Abuja and Nigeria," Gillis-Harry stated. "Our members will work with 11 PLC and Matrix to get supply from Port Harcourt, Rivers and Delta states. The only thing is the transportation turnaround time. Our members will do their best to make sure fuel supply is available across the country during the Sallah. There should not be scarcity because we have alternatives."

However, James Tor, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed more concern, warning that the Mokwa Bridge collapse could indeed lead to fuel supply shortages. He urged the federal government to quickly repair the collapsed bridge or establish an alternative route.

"The federal government needs to be proactive so that the other route is put into use for free vehicular and human movement across the regions. The Mokwa Bridge collapse will affect the free flow of supply. This will cause shortages. The unfortunate thing is that Salah is around the corner," Tor explained.

The potential fuel supply disruption comes shortly after NNPCL, Dangote Refinery, and partners announced a reduction in petrol prices to between N875 and N910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.

The Nigerian government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to mark this year's Eid al-Adha celebrations.