Mokwa Bridge Collapse Triggers Fears of Fuel Shortage in Northern Nigeria Ahead of Eid

There are growing concerns over a looming fuel shortage in Northern Nigeria after heavy flooding caused the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State.

The tragic flood, considered the deadliest in recent times, claimed the lives of over 150 people and destroyed the key bridge that connects northern Nigeria to the southwest.

The bridge collapsed on Wednesday and has since brought transportation to a standstill in the Mokwa area. The situation is affecting all kinds of movement, including fuel trucks heading to Abuja and other northern states.

While the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed 153 deaths, local residents believe the real number could be much higher.

Filling station officials from MRS and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja have expressed concerns that the collapsed bridge could lead to fuel scarcity during the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations scheduled for June 6 and 9.

An anonymous source from MRS told DAILY POST that many fuel trucks had to turn back due to the blocked route, making deliveries more expensive and delayed.

“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,” he said.

However, the official assured that the pump price of petrol would stay around ₦895 per litre during the holidays.

Another source at NNPCL confirmed the challenge and noted that if fuel cannot be delivered via Mokwa, supply would have to come from Port Harcourt and Warri — which are longer and more expensive routes.

The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s major local petrol producer, is located in Lekki, Lagos State. The Mokwa Bridge offers the fastest connection between Lagos and northern Nigeria, making its collapse a major setback for fuel distribution.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have offered differing views on the situation.

Billy Gillis-Harry, President of PETROAN, reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. He said members of the association are working with companies like 11 PLC and Matrix to transport petrol from Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta states to Abuja and beyond.

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“There should not be scarcity because we have alternatives. Our members will do their best to make sure fuel supply is available across the country during Sallah,” he said.

On the other hand, James Tor, National Secretary of IPMAN, said the Mokwa Bridge collapse could seriously affect fuel supply, especially in the north. He called on the federal government to act quickly, either by repairing the bridge or opening up another route to ease movement.

“This will cause shortages. The unfortunate thing is that Sallah is around the corner,” he warned.

Despite the crisis, fuel prices recently dropped slightly. The NNPCL and Dangote Refinery, along with their partners, announced a new petrol price range of ₦875 to ₦910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.

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

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