By Ade Iyamoye
Nigeria is on the verge of a fresh fuel scarcity as tanker drivers suspend operations, citing harassment from Lagos State officials and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The protest, which began over the weekend, has already triggered panic buying, with long queues forming at petrol stations across Lagos and other cities.
Telecom companies have also raised concerns about potential network disruptions due to limited diesel supplies for their towers.
Yusuf Othman, President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), accused government officials of towing trucks and assaulting drivers, leading to a complete halt in fuel loading since Saturday.
In defense, Lagos State authorities insist they’re enforcing the e-call-up system to curb traffic congestion, especially around the Dangote refinery axis.
Permanent Secretary Wale Musa warned that the government won’t tolerate any attempt at blackmail.
As tensions escalate, uncertainty looms over when fuel distribution will resume, raising fears of a nationwide fuel crisis if the deadlock persists.
