Nigerians Protest In Abuja Over Fuel Crisis, Demand Accountability Amid Economic Hardship

Abuja, Nigeria — Scores of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, launching a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.

The demonstration, led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the management of the country’s oil sector.

Protesters expressed outrage over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues at petrol stations, arguing that these issues have fueled inflation and plunged millions into poverty.

They condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it primarily benefits a select few while leaving the majority struggling with exorbitant prices.

“We are demanding full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing,” stated Bilal during the demonstration.

The protesters also raised concerns about the importation of adulterated fuel, labeling it a corrupt practice that damages vehicles and businesses, and called for an immediate halt to these imports along with accountability for those responsible.

The group criticised the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to alleviate Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions spent on refinery development while fuel shortages persist.

They pointed out that despite Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing nation, the country remains reliant on costly imports.

With inflation surpassing 24% and fuel prices rising by 200%, protesters emphasized that the fuel crisis is deepening poverty across the nation. They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector and prioritizing citizens’ needs.

“The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many,” Bilal said, reiterating the protesters’ call for the immediate resignation of current leadership in the oil sector due to their failure to manage the crisis effectively.

The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met, signaling that this movement may be just the beginning of a larger campaign for accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.

“We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.

“Nigerians have endured enough, wasting countless hours and days in fuel queues. We demand a sustainable resolution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.

“We also want to emphasize the failure of the much-touted refinery. Nigerians were assured that it would resolve our fuel issues, but it has not delivered.

“This mismanagement has caused inflation to skyrocket to an alarming 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have surged by over 200%, pushing millions of Nigerians further into poverty.

“To the government, we say: enough is enough. We will not stand idly by while the oil cabal thrives at the expense of our nation’s well-being. We demand accountability—immediate and unyielding.

Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac stated: “This economic sabotage has resulted in endless fuel queues, soaring fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions to the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We call for an immediate end to fuel queues, along with transparency and accountability from all parties involved. We want to understand how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”