By Atoyebi Nike
Sokoto residents may soon face serious transportation challenges as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) began shutting down filling stations across the state capital on Monday.
Union officials were seen closing multiple petrol outlets and halting petroleum tanker movements along major routes, including Gusau Road and highways linking Sokoto to neighbouring states. Eyewitnesses said barricades and leaves were placed at key points, effectively disrupting fuel supply within the metropolis.
Although NUPENG representatives refused to comment publicly, an enforcement member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the action followed “midnight instructions from national leaders.”
The sudden shutdown has triggered fears of imminent fuel scarcity, with residents and motorists expressing shock and concern over possible fare hikes and wider economic disruptions.
As of press time, NUPENG’s national leadership had yet to issue an official statement explaining the directive or indicating when normal supply operations would resume.
