Once again, Nigeria finds itself ensnared in the grips of a fuel scarcity crisis, a recurring nightmare that haunts the nation with infuriating regularity. Fuel queues have resurfaced across the country, stretching endlessly at petrol stations and compounding the daily struggles of millions of Nigerians. The frustration is palpable, and the questions are many: How did we get here again? And what will it take to finally put an end to this seemingly unending conundrum?
At the heart of the current crisis is a complex web of factors that reveal the fragility and inefficiency of Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. Independent marketers, the lifeblood of fuel distribution in the country, have reportedly halted their operations, citing concerns about the risk of importing fuel. These marketers claim that they are wary of the uncertainties surrounding the rollout of petrol from the much-anticipated Dangote refinery, which is expected to revolutionise the country’s refining capacity. However, the Dangote refinery has categorically denied any transactions with the independent marketers related to the estimated delivery date or pricing of its petrol, leaving a gaping void in the information available to the public.
In the absence of clear communication and leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has attempted to reassure the public, maintaining that there is enough fuel supply to last the nation beyond six months, even without further imports. Yet, this assurance rings hollow as independent marketers continue to close their outlets, leading to an upsurge in black market operations. In the shadows of the closed stations, a new breed of profiteers has emerged. These black market operators, who previously struggled to maintain fuel supplies, are now flourishing, selling petrol at outrageous prices ranging from one thousand Naira to one thousand three hundred Naira per liter. This exploitation is a direct consequence of the vacuum left by the independent marketers, further exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing failures at Nigeria’s refineries. The Port Harcourt refinery, which was expected to resume petrol production, has once again missed its rollout date, leaving the nation in limbo. The NNPCL has declined to set a new date for the refinery’s output, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already chaotic situation. This failure underscores the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s refining sector, which has been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of investment for decades.
In the face of this growing crisis, the onus falls squarely on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action. The president must prioritise resolving the fuel scarcity conundrum as a matter of national urgency. One critical step is to expedite action on the directives that mandate the sale of crude oil to local offtakers in local currency. This policy could help stabilise the market by ensuring a consistent supply of crude to domestic refiners, perhaps ending reliance on imported fuel, and insulating the nation from the volatility of the international oil market.
Moreover, regulatory agencies must step up their oversight functions to curb the excesses of big marketers who may be hoarding fuel or diverting supplies to black market operators. These unscrupulous practices are not only unethical but are also a direct affront to the millions of Nigerians who are already struggling under the weight of economic hardship. The regulators must act swiftly to sanction offenders and restore confidence in the fuel distribution system.
It is also imperative that the government addresses the broader systemic issues that have perpetuated the fuel scarcity problem. This includes accelerating the rehabilitation and roll out of petrol from Nigeria’s ailing refineries, encouraging investment in new refining capacity, and ensuring transparency in the management of the oil and gas sector. The Nigerian people deserve a fuel supply system that is efficient, transparent, and reliable, one that can meet the demands of the nation without plunging it into recurring crises. For an oil producing nation, this is the least the people deserve!
As Nigerians reflect on the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, the message is clear: the patience of the people is wearing thin. The fuel scarcity crisis is not just an economic issue; it is a test of the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises and addressing the needs of the populace. President Tinubu must recognise that resolving this crisis is not just a matter of policy but also one of credibility and trust. The Nigerian people are watching, and they expect the president and his lieutenants to act with urgency and bring an end to this unending fuel shortage conundrum.
The time for action is now.
