On April 2, 2024, residents of Lagos and parts of Ogun State faced significant inconvenience as numerous fuel stations closed their doors due to disruptions in fuel supply. The impact was notably severe in areas such as Ikotun, Akonwonjo Egbeda, and Igando in Lagos, where a majority of fuel outlets remained shuttered, leading to palpable tension among motorists and commuters alike.
During a survey conducted by Our Correspondent, it was observed that only a few stations, including Mobil filling stations along the Ikotun-Idimu road and the Odo-Eran axis of the Isheri-Igando road, were operational and consequently witnessed long queues of vehicles awaiting service. In the Egbeda-Akowonjo area, the situation was slightly alleviated by a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited outlet on Akowonjo road, which continued to dispense fuel.
The closure of fuel stations extended into the Mowe-Ibafo axis of Ogun State, exacerbating the strain on residents’ daily activities and mobility. The scarcity of fuel stations in operation has prompted concern over the broader economic and logistical implications for the affected regions.
Mr. Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, attributed the closures to a combination of supply chain disruptions and the extended Easter holiday period. Fashola reassured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the issue, predicting an improvement in the situation from Wednesday following the holiday. He acknowledged that the supply challenge had commenced prior to the holiday period but was exacerbated by the break.
This episode echoes a recurring challenge faced by Lagos and its neighboring states, reminiscent of the long queues observed in February due to a strike by members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), which fueled fears of a looming fuel scarcity among residents.
The ongoing disruptions underscore the fragility of the fuel supply chain in Nigeria and highlight the need for robust solutions to ensure the reliability and stability of fuel supply to mitigate the impact on the daily lives of citizens and the economy at large.
