Business

Fuel queues persist in Lagos, others despite NNPC assurances

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

Fuel queues persist in Lagos, others despite NNPC assurances

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, Peter Uzoho in Lagos, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The long petrol queues in Abuja appeared to have shortened in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend, although a number of filling stations were still shut, while some continued to sell for as much as between N700 and N800.

But in the outskirts of town, some stations were still selling the product for as high as N950, since the product had yet to fully circulate.
There had been biting scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol in Abuja for over a month, which later extended to more states of the federation, with the product selling for over N1,000 in some places before now.
Although in Abuja, the long stretches which had disrupted commercial and social activities were reducing, however, neighbouring states like Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa, had yet to experience similar relief.

The Conoil and Total filling stations opposite the NNPC headquarters in Abuja had shorter queues compared to earlier in the week when THISDAY visited.
At the NNPC mega station in Zone 1 and the one opposite GSM village, the long lines which dominated most of the roads around the area, had begun to shrink. The NNPC was still selling for its subsidised rate of N617 per litre as of yesterday evening.

Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) said that the shortages were caused by ‘distribution’ challenges, even though it failed to specifically tell Nigerians what caused the current scarcity which had lingered in Abuja and environs for over four weeks.
In several parts of Abuja, a 10-litre container of the product which hitherto sold for as high as N12,000 at roadside black markets, had fallen to N10,000. Many private filling station owners also sold for circa N700 per litre within town.

Earlier, NNPC’s Vice President (Downstream), Dapo Segun, apologised to Nigerians over the queues blaming weather conditions for the insufficient distribution of fuel across the country.
“A number of the causes are outside of our control but we’ll do our best to manage. We do not like to make excuses,” Segun stated.
In Lagos, marketers of petroleum products and motorists expressed their frustration and anger over the continuous petrol scarcity in the nation’s commercial nerve centre and other parts of the country despite promises by the NNPC which is the sole importer and supplier of the product in the country.

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Since last weekend, residents of the state have been going through harrowing experiences just to buy fuel to power their vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles and generators.

Despite the national oil company’s assurances, nothing positive has happened as most of the filling stations in Lagos still didn’t have the product as of the time of filing in this report.
The few filling stations that had petrol in the city had their premises crowded with vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, jerrycan-bearing buyers as well as those that came with fuel tanks of their generators and motorcycles.
At AP filling Station on Awolowo Road Ikoyi, THISDAY observed that buyers crowded the facility in their desperation to buy, as the outlet was selling relatively cheaper at N720 per litre.

Mobil filling station on the same road was also selling but with queues while the nearby Total filling station was not selling and was completely deserted because it had no product.
At NNPC filling station at Obalende, only buyers with jerrycans, generators and motorcycle tanks were being sold to. Although, the station was dispensing at N568 per litre but a buyer had to pay N1,500 first before being attended to.
The Northwest mega filling station at Gbagada was selling but with a massive queue at the premises that stretched several kilometres along the busy expressway. Similarly, Total filling station by Anthony, Gbagada, was also selling but in a skeletal manner.

However, there was no fuel at Conoil filling station at National Bus-stop Ikeja, and at NIPCO filing station at Mangoro axis as the two outlets were deserted.
Also, on the Mangoro axis, NNPC was selling with shorter queue, while another Conoil filling station nearby had no fuel when THISDAY visited.
In the same vein, NNPC filling at Akowonjo Roundabout had no fuel as of yesterday, but Nepal filling station very close to it was crammed with motorists and jerrycan-bearing buyers.

Again, the two NNPC filling stations on Egbeda-Idimu Road were submerged with queues, just as Eterna, Petrocam, Omalad, Alpha, Al-Moruf, IIG, NNPC, AP, and Mobil filling stations all located along the Isheri-Igando-LASU Road had no fuel.
When contacted to get their supply updates, a top official at the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), formerly MOMAN, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told THISDAY that he was tired of talking about the same issue every time without any improvement.
Admitting that the endless fuel supply challenge had got him demoralised like every other Nigerian, the source said he would only talk when he was in a good mood.

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Former Chairman of MOMAN and Managing Director of 11Plc Limited, owners of Mobil filling stations, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, told THISDAY that NNPC was still giving them the usual quantity that was not enough for the market.
He said the queue was not likely to disappear unless product supply to marketers improved.
He said: “No much improvement yet. They are still giving us what they have been giving to us, which is not enough. So the queue is not likely to disappear since the supply from the source is not enough. So people need to shun panic buying and have the confidence that the supply will improve.

“As long as people keep on with their panic buying where they will go to the station and wait to fill up their tanks, the queue will continue. So like I said, let people have the feeling that whenever they come to the station, they can buy the quantity that will take them for that day. With that, the queue will reduce.
“We are hoping and praying for the supply to improve so that every filling station will have the product to sell, and this problem will end”.
Some of the motorists, who spoke to THISDAY, said they had lost confidence in the government, adding that all they get from their leaders was suffering and punishment.

A motorist at the Northwest filling station at Gbagada, Mr Ayodeji Amosun, said he had been at the facility for over five hours but was yet to get fuel.
“I came here to buy fuel since five hours. I have not gotten. I don’t even know if I can still get fuel today. All my business appointments have been cancelled today because I can’t drive to anywhere from here without fuel. My tank is empty. Is this how to be wicked to the people?
“Every time we go and vote but things remain the same. All we get from our government is promise upon promise without fulfilment. All we get from them is suffering and punishment.”

Efforts to get supply updates from NNPC proved abortive as the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye did not respond to THISDAY’s text message and phone call as of the time of filing in this report.
However, Soneye had last Sunday, blamed the current product shortage on evacuation challenge, promising that NNPC would have that resolved by midweek.
He had stated, “We are currently experiencing some evacuation challenges in Lagos, but they should be resolved by midweek”.
The Rivers state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association Of Nigeria (IPMAN) assured that in few weeks, the state will witness consistent supply of fuel in all the filling stations in the state.

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The state chairman of IPMAN, Tekena Ikpaki who spoke with THISDAY, was reacting to the public outcry over the increase in fuel price.
Ikpaki disclosed that there was an ongoing intervention in loading, and expressed the hope that soonest the issue of high fuel price will be resolved to douse the ongoing tension in the system.
“Whatever they see in the market now is just a function of short supply. Right now supplies are ongoing, hopefully tension will also die down because at this moment loading is ongoing.

“When there is short supply, price of fuel will be high and it will cause unpleasant situation in the system. And there is intervention loading from NNPC. As the loading continues there will be consistency of fuel and it will douse the pressure,’’ Ikpaki pointed out.
Meanwhile, THISDAY observed that fuel was sold between N800 and N950 in filling stations in Port Harcourt. However, there was no scarcity in the state.
It was also discovered that there was fuel in almost all the filling stations in Port Harcourt although rates were high, apart from the NNPC which still sold at N591 and N600 per litre.

An energy analyst, Mkpoikana Udoma, said the high price of fuel had badly affected the economy and had led to hardship experienced by Nigerians across the country.
Udoma said: “In fact, since our President on May 29, 2023 announced that subsidy is gone, automatically the price increased by more than 300 per cent which inadvertently affected the price of every commodities in the market.

“So, the high price of fuel has affected every aspect of the economy and further plunging the masses into poverty and hardship”.
In Edo, petrol scarcity is also persisting, with long queues of vehicles and high cost transport fare being the lot of residents of Edo State since the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Most fuel stations especially in Benin City, capital of the state have remained closed because there is little or no products to lift, according to a fuel station owner.
However, the few who were able to get products sold between N850 to N1,000 per litre. Commuters were the worst hit. For instance, a route which in the past attracted N200 to N400 now goes for as high as N500 and N800.
Similarly, in Kano, there was growing anger among motorists as a majority of filling stations belonging to oil marketers had virtually run out of stock for the past few days.

The situation has become even more challenging as motorists are forced to rely on black marketers who sell fuel at exorbitant prices.
The fuel shortage in Kano has led many government workers and businessmen to resort to trekking a long distances to their various destinations.
One of the residents, Abubakar Sadiq said he was forced to park his car because of non- availability of the fuel at filling stations and exorbitant price at the black market on the other hand.

He said: “It’s frustrating and disappointing when authorities fail woefully to provide lasting solution to fuel scarcity. Despite promises and efforts, the issue remains unresolved.”
In Kaduna, there seemed to be no respite for residents as fuel scarcity continued to bite harder, with the few fill stations that had petrol selling at exorbitant prices.

At the Rain Oil filling station in Barnawa area of Kaduna metropolis, petrol sold for N895 per litre; Omosco filling station along Yakowa road, was selling at N960 per litre while some black market filling stations at the outskirts of the town were selling the product for between N1000 to N1,100 per litre.
Some of the NNPC filling stations which usually sell the product at N620 per litre, especially those located at the Stadium Roundabout, Barnawa- near Living Faith Church and Kachia Road, after Indomie factory were not selling fuel.

Fuel queues persist in Lagos, others despite NNPC assurances

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Railway

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Published

3 days ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed facilities belonging to a Chinese-linked steel company across the country following allegations of involvement in railway vandalism and the illegal recycling of critical national infrastructure . The enforcement action targeted Inner Galaxy Steel Company and other associated facilities after months of intelligence-led investigations linked the firm to the alleged handling, compression, and melting of vandalised railway materials .

The operation, which followed weeks of intensive surveillance, was triggered by a viral video on social media that showed extensive vandalism of the newly laid Kaduna-Kano railway tracks as well as older rail infrastructure across parts of Northern Nigeria . After the video circulated widely, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi , directed the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) , led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura, and the Kaduna State Command to identify and arrest those responsible for the economic sabotage.

Speaking on Sunday at the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State , the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi , said the operation followed the arrest of suspects and the recovery of railway tracks and sleepers from the facility . Afolabi disclosed that the corps had obtained a court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and the preservation of recovered exhibits for prosecution by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) , which has since commended the NSCDC for its sustained crackdown on railway vandals.

According to Afolabi, preliminary findings from the investigation revealed a sophisticated criminal syndicate operating under the guise of legitimate business. Vandalised railway materials were allegedly transported to the company’s Kaduna facility, where they were compressed into scrap metal to conceal their original form. From Kaduna, the compressed materials were transported to the company’s head office in Aba, Abia State . There, the stolen national assets were allegedly melted down and recycled into products such as roofing sheets, nails, and iron rods , which were then sold back to the public. The NSCDC described this as a sophisticated local and international network engaging in economic sabotage.

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Afolabi added that the court order covered Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd , as well as other linked facilities in Abia and Zamfara states , including branches nationwide suspected to be connected to the case . The NSCDC confirmed that the enforcement operation has effectively shut down the company’s ability to continue processing stolen materials while investigations proceed.

The NSCDC has confirmed that 12 suspects are currently in custody in connection with the railway vandalism case . Those arrested from the Kaduna facility have been identified as Usman Hassan, 27 (company manager), Bilyaminu Usman, 30 (weighbridge operator), Choji John Pam, 40 (weighbridge officer), Jamilu Isah Jaafar, 37 (scrap collector), Chukwuemeka Udonwoke, 38 (supervisor), Chikwodilli Ezema, 29 (company manager), and Isaac Etim, 36 (scrap leader) . According to the corps, some of these suspects have allegedly confessed to their roles in the criminal network, providing valuable intelligence that is aiding the ongoing investigation.

The suspects are being investigated for alleged offences bordering on conspiracy to commit felony , intentional endangering of railway passengers , obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure , theft , concealment of stolen property , and alleged financing of terrorism . The NSCDC stated that these charges reflect the severity of the crimes, which not only rob the nation of critical infrastructure but also endanger the lives of passengers who rely on the railway network for daily transportation.

Recovered exhibits from the company’s facilities include large quantities of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers , suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at billions of naira, as well as specialised machines allegedly used for compressing and concealing the stolen materials . The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) , Dr. Kayode Opeifa , represented by NRC Chief Technical Officer Paul Doche, confirmed that NRC officials had visited the sealed facility and identified some of the corporation’s stolen materials. “We have gone round and identified some of our materials there. These are national assets,” Doche stated, adding that officials were still working to determine the full volume of recovered items because many remained buried under metal debris.

Afolabi also disclosed that Chinese nationals linked to the company have been summoned for questioning but were yet to appear before investigators . While the corps did not name the individuals, the summoning indicates that the investigation is reaching into the upper management levels of the company, and the NSCDC has made it clear that no one, regardless of nationality or status, will be shielded from prosecution if found culpable.

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“The facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations,” Afolabi stated firmly . He added that all recovered railway sleepers and tracks would be transferred to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as exhibits for prosecution, ensuring that the stolen assets are preserved as evidence in the impending legal proceedings.

In a related development, NSCDC operatives also arrested five additional suspects over the alleged vandalism of railway infrastructure along the Kaduna-Abuja corridor in Gwagwada community, Chikun Local Government Area . Items recovered from those suspects included railway tracks, railway sleepers, and gas cylinders allegedly used to cut and damage the rail infrastructure, further demonstrating the widespread nature of railway vandalism across the region.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi , has directed the Special Intelligence Squad to ensure a thorough and professional investigation, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted regardless of their status or nationality . “Under this leadership, the NSCDC will not treat economic sabotage with kid gloves. We are going after the sponsors,” the Commandant General was quoted as saying. “This operation marks the beginning of a new phase in our crackdown on syndicates supporting vandalism under any disguise.”

Audi urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts aimed at curbing vandalism and protecting critical national assets . He commended the judiciary for granting the court order that enabled the sealing operation and appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts to expose economic crimes and safeguard national assets.

This is not the first time a Chinese-linked steel company has been implicated in Nigeria’s railway vandalism crisis. In May 2021 , the Nasarawa State Police Command arrested Marra Thai , a Chinese national and manager of Yong Xing Steel Company in Tunga Maje, Abuja, for allegedly acting as a “criminal receiver” of stolen railway tracks and sleepers . That case also led to the arrest of a governor’s aide, two police officers, an NSCDC personnel, and a former supervisory councillor, highlighting the deep and persistent nature of the criminal networks targeting Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

The destruction and theft of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure represent one of the gravest threats to national development and security. Across the nation, from the Warri-Itakpe line to the Abuja-Kaduna corridor , the Eastern and Western Districts, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and throughout the Northern network, vandals systematically dismantle tracks, steal armoured cables, and pillage essential equipment. The NSCDC’s latest operation demonstrates a renewed commitment to dismantling the supply chains that make this vandalism profitable.

As of May 25, 2026 , Inner Galaxy Steel Company’s facilities across Nigeria remain sealed. The 12 arrested suspects are in NSCDC custody, and investigations are ongoing. Chinese nationals linked to the case have been summoned but have yet to appear before investigators. The NSCDC has stated that anyone found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the law, sending a clear message that economic sabotage will not be tolerated.

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Railway

NRC Cries Out as Vandals Strip Railway Tracks in Plateau, Bauchi

Published

4 days ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

NRC Cries Out as Vandals Strip Railway Tracks in Plateau, Bauchi

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has raised fresh concern over reported coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country, warning that the growing wave of vandalism may trigger fatal train accidents and undermine billions of naira invested in the rail sector.

The corporation said recent incidents recorded in Plateau and Bauchi states have exposed a dangerous trend of deliberate destruction and illegal removal of railway materials critical to safe train operations and national economic activities.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, one of the latest incidents occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck loaded with suspected vandalised railway materials got stuck between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State, exposing the activities of criminal elements involved in the theft and illegal transportation of railway assets.

The NRC also disclosed that along the Zango axis in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving only a few disconnected rail components behind.

The corporation warned that the destruction of railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signalling materials poses grave danger to rail transportation, noting that such acts could lead to catastrophic train accidents, disruption of services, loss of lives and severe economic setbacks.

Describing the development as an attack on critical national infrastructure and public safety, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, condemned the persistent vandalism, saying it amounted to sabotage against national progress.

He noted that the increasing incidents across the North Central and North East railway corridors indicate an alarming pattern requiring urgent intervention from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along rail lines.

Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to regard railway infrastructure as a strategic national asset built with taxpayers’ money to support transportation, trade and economic growth, stressing that such facilities should not be reduced to scraps for illegal business activities.

He warned vandals, scrap dealers and other individuals involved in the unlawful purchase, destruction or movement of railway materials to desist immediately or face prosecution.

The corporation further called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.

The NRC urged Nigerians to join hands in protecting railway infrastructure, insisting that the nation’s rail system remains too important to be left vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Railway

Sallah Rush: NRC Adds Extra Lagos-Ibadan Train Trips, Osun Sponsors Free Rail Service

Published

4 days ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Sallah Rush: NRC Adds Extra Lagos-Ibadan Train Trips, Osun Sponsors Free Rail Service

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced additional train services on the busy Lagos–Ibadan corridor ahead of the Sallah celebration, citing an anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the festive period.

In a statement signed by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the rail operator said six train trips would operate on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the regular four trips currently running on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) route.

According to the NRC management, the temporary increase is aimed at easing movement for Nigerians travelling to celebrate Sallah with their families and loved ones.

Under the special arrangement, trains will depart from the Lagos end at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from Ibadan are scheduled for 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.

The corporation stressed that the expanded operations are only for the Sallah travel window, noting that the normal four-trip Tuesday timetable would resume immediately after the festivities.

It also disclosed that the recently introduced six-trip Thursday operations on the corridor would be temporarily scaled down next week, with only four trips scheduled for Thursday, May 28, during the review period. The regular Thursday six-trip schedule will return the following week.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government is set to operate its annual free Sallah train service on the NRC narrow gauge line for indigenes travelling home for the celebration in Osogbo.

The special train service will depart from Iddo Station in Lagos on Tuesday, May 26, while the return journey from Osogbo to Lagos is scheduled for Thursday, May 28.

NRC explained that the service, traditionally provided during festive seasons, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid partnership with the Corporation to enable Osun indigenes travel free of charge for the Sallah celebration.

The management reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transport services across the country, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration.