A looming fuel scarcity has hit Abuja and neighboring states as oil marketers shut filling stations over fears of a planned nationwide protest.
The closure of retail outlets, including those operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has led to fuel queues resurfacing in some areas.
In Abuja, Niger, and Nasarawa states, many filling stations were shut, while those that remained open sold fuel at exorbitant prices. The situation was also dire in Lagos State, where several filling stations were closed, creating fears of an impending fuel scarcity.
Oil marketers attributed the closure of filling stations to apprehension over the planned protest, while others cited the unavailability of fuel. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has called for calm and urged Nigerians to avoid participating in the protest.
Lokpobiri warned against those who might exploit the protest for malicious purposes and emphasized the importance of unity and patience as the government works to address the nation’s diverse issues. He reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s commitment to their well-being and urged constructive engagement and dialogue over any action that could unsettle the nation.
