Oluwatuyi Olasoji, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Akure South local government, Ondo State, has tragically passed away after collapsing at a filling station while waiting in line to buy fuel.
The incident occurred last week at a fuel station in Akure, the state capital, amidst the worsening fuel scarcity crisis in Nigeria.
According to reports from Sunshine Truth, a local tabloid, Olasoji slumped while waiting in the long queue and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, where he underwent surgery.
Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Olasoji passed away on Monday, September 9, as confirmed by Sahara Reporters.
The fuel scarcity crisis has worsened in recent weeks, with long queues forming at petrol stations nationwide, causing severe traffic disruptions and increased transport fares.
Motorists have expressed frustration, and commuters are being left stranded at bus stops due to doubled transport fares.
“We are waiting for our foreign partners to calculate how much it will cost to bring the product to Nigeria,” said Abubakar Maigandi, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
“If the landing cost is cheaper than what the Dangote refinery will sell, then we will see how to bring in the product.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had earlier assured the public that the fuel scarcity would subside in a few days.
“The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices,” said the NNPCL.
Regarding potential relief from the Dangote Refinery, the NNPCL noted that it was awaiting the September 15 timeline for petrol lifting. “We will do everything possible to beat down the price of petrol,” said an official of the Dangote Group.
“We will sell PMS in Nigeria whether or not the NNPC agrees to be its off-taker or not.”
This development is seen as a possible solution to the recurring fuel shortages.
However, the tragic death of Olasoji has highlighted the urgent need for a solution to the fuel scarcity crisis.
