Disaster Strikes: Mokwa Bridge Collapse Triggers Fuel Crisis Fears In Abuja, Northern Nigeria Ahead Of 2025 Eid Al-Adha
Marketers Scramble for Alternatives as Petrol Trucks Turn Back, Scarcity Looms Across North
Published on Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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A looming fuel crisis is sending shockwaves through Abuja and northern Nigeria as marketers scramble for solutions following the catastrophic collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State—just days before the 2025 Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The disaster, which struck last Wednesday, was caused by severe flooding that claimed over 150 lives, according to official sources. Locals fear the real death toll may be even higher.
The bridge served as a key artery connecting southwestern Nigeria to the north, including Abuja. Its collapse has brought petrol supply routes to a grinding halt, with fuel trucks forced into costly, time-consuming detours—or turning back entirely.
“We’re seeing trucks stuck or rerouted, and this could lead to real shortages,” a senior MRS official told Daily Post under anonymity. “If the government doesn’t act fast, Eid al-Adha may come with long queues and dry pumps.”
Though MRS has pledged to maintain petrol prices at ₦895 per litre during the festive period, the uncertainty surrounding delivery routes remains a critical threat.
An official from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) echoed the warning, noting that reliance on alternative routes like Port Harcourt and Warri may not be enough to meet northern demand in time for the holiday.
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is currently the country’s only active local producer of petroleum, making the Mokwa Bridge route vital for moving supply northward.
Yet not all stakeholders are forecasting a crisis. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, assured Nigerians of continued supply.
“Our members will partner with 11 PLC and Matrix to ensure deliveries from southern routes. There should be no panic buying,” Gillis-Harry stated confidently.
However, James Tor, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, remains cautious.
“This is not just about supply—it’s about logistics,” Tor said. “The Mokwa Bridge collapse has disrupted the most efficient route. If we don’t find a fix or alternative soon, shortages are inevitable.”
Meanwhile, the federal government has declared June 6 and 9 as public holidays for Eid, even as Nigerians brace for potential fuel shortages and transportation headaches.
With the festive season approaching fast, pressure mounts on authorities to restore access—or risk a fuel crunch at a critical time for millions.
