Oluwatuyi Olasoji, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Akure South, Ondo State, has tragically passed away.
The incident occurred when Olasoji collapsed while waiting in a long fuel queue at a filling station in Akure, the state capital, amidst Nigeria’s persistent fuel scarcity crisis.
According to Sunshine Truth (a local tabloid), Olasoji slumped last week and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for emergency surgery.
Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his condition on Monday, September 9.
Fuel scarcity has worsened in recent weeks, with long queues forming at petrol stations nationwide.
This has caused severe traffic disruptions and led to increased transport fares.
Motorists have expressed frustration, and commuters are being left stranded at bus stops due to doubled transport fares.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had earlier assured the public that the fuel scarcity would subside in a few days.
According to NNPCL, “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.”
Regarding potential relief from the Dangote Refinery, the NNPCL noted that it was awaiting the September 15 timeline for petrol lifting. This development is seen as a possible solution to the recurring fuel shortages.
