Residents of Sokoto State are bracing for a possible fuel crisis after members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) began enforcing a shutdown of filling stations across the state capital.
As of Monday, several petrol stations were observed to have been closed, with NUPENG officials halting tanker movements along key routes, including Gusau Road and highways connecting Sokoto to neighboring states.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of barricades and palm fronds used by union members to seal off access to fuel depots and stations, effectively cutting off supply and disrupting normal transportation activities in the metropolis.
Though no official statement has been released by NUPENG’s national body, an enforcement official who spoke anonymously confirmed that the directive came from the union’s national leadership.
“We got the order around midnight to shut down operations, and we are simply following instructions,” the official told newsmen.
The sudden development has already begun to impact daily life. Commercial transporters, particularly tricycle (keke) operators, are facing operational challenges.
One operator, Bello Musa, shared his frustration:
“I came out early to work and found that most filling stations are closed. If this continues, transport fares will rise, and everyone will feel it. We don’t even know why they’re striking.”
Commuters are also worried about the likely ripple effects of the shutdown, including inflated transport costs and broader economic disruption if fuel scarcity sets in.
As of the time of this report, no clear reason has been given by NUPENG’s national executives for the sudden enforcement action in Sokoto.
This has only heightened speculation and concern among residents, who are uncertain how long the situation will last.
