Petrol Crisis Looming as Mokwa Bridge Collapses in Nigeria
Scarcity of Fuel Threatens Marketing Operations in Abuja, Northern Nigeria, As Preparations for 2025 Eid Al-Adha are Underway, Forcing Traders to Explore Alternative Means of Transportation
The devastating flood that hit Mokwa, Niger State, a few weeks ago, has left a trail of destruction. Not only has it claimed the lives of hundreds of people, but it has also led to the collapse of a crucial bridge that links the northern part of Nigeria to the southwestern region of the country.
According to our website, this tragedy occurred last Wednesday. Since then, human and vehicle traffic around Mokwa has been significantly affected, causing a major impact on the movement of petroleum product trucks.
While the exact number of casualties from the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger, remains disputed, both the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have reported 153 deaths. However, local residents believe the actual toll could be much higher.
In light of this disaster, several senior representatives from MRS and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations in Abuja have voiced their concerns. They suggest that the failure of the Mokwa Bridge could lead to a petrol crisis during the upcoming 2025 Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebrations and the holidays scheduled for June 6th and 9th.
An anonymous official from MRS warned that this situation could hinder distribution efforts. "Most of the petrol trucks are stranded due to the Mokwa Niger State bridge collapse," he admitted. "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."
Another source at NNPCL concurred, indicating that the situation could result in fuel shortages if sufficient supply does not arrive from alternative routes such as Port Harcourt and Warri.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, Billy Gillis-Harry, and the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, James Tor, have provided a conflicting perspective. Gillis-Harry assured that his association would guarantee a sufficient supply of petrol from alternative sources and routes in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta States to Abuja and throughout Nigeria. However, Tor expressed his concerns about the Mokwa Bridge collapse potentially leading to fuel supply shortages in Abuja and northern states.
The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria's sole domestic petroleum producer, situated in Lekki, Lagos State, would normally be the easiest route to Abuja and Northern Nigeria. However, with the Mokwa Bridge collapsed, alternative routes may need to be found to ensure a steady supply of petrol.
Key Insights:
- Collapse Cause and Impact: The Mokwa bridge in Niger State, Nigeria, collapsed due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall and a nearby dam failure in late May 2025 [3][4]. This collapse has disrupted a vital transit route connecting the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, affecting vehicular movement and economic activities [2][3].
- Immediate Consequences: The bridge's collapse has led to motorists being stranded on both sides, impacting trade activities between the North and Southwest regions [3]. Over 200 lives have been lost, and extensive property damage has occurred as a result of the floods [4].
- Government Response: President Bola Tinubu has ordered the urgent repair of the bridge to restore vehicular access across the damaged structure [2]. The Federal Ministry of Works is committed to intensifying infrastructure projects in Niger State, recognizing its strategic importance as a major transit corridor [2].
- Potential Petrol Crisis: The collapse of the Mokwa bridge could potentially disrupt the supply chain of petroleum products, leading to shortages or delays in fuel deliveries to regions dependent on this route.
- Alternative Routes and Costs: Companies may need to use alternative routes, which could increase transportation costs and lead to higher prices for consumers, exacerbating any existing shortages or price volatility.
- Mitigation Strategies: Swift repair of the bridge is essential to restore normal supply routes and prevent further economic strain. Identifying and utilizing alternative routes for fuel transportation could help mitigate immediate shortages. Governments or companies might need to stockpile fuel in strategic locations to ensure availability during the holiday period.
- The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, a vital transit route connecting northern and southern Nigeria, has left officials from MRS and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) worried about a potential petrol crisis during the upcoming 2025 Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebrations.
- Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, has expressed confidence in ensuring a sufficient petrol supply from alternative sources and routes, such as Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta States to Abuja and throughout Nigeria.
- However, the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, James Tor, has raised concerns about the Mokwa Bridge collapse potentially leading to fuel supply shortages in Abuja and northern states.
- If the Mokwa Bridge remains unrepairable, companies may need to utilize alternative routes, such as Port Harcourt and Warri, to ensure a steady supply of petrol and prevent fuel scarcity in Abuja and other northern regions, like Lagos.
