Fuel Scarcity, Food Price Increase, Hardship – Massive Protest Rocks Abuja

In Abuja on Monday, hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets in a large-scale protest to voice their frustrations over soaring fuel prices, persistent shortages, and worsening economic hardship.

Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, along with Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the protesters called for urgent reform in the country’s oil sector, condemning what they described as a failure of leadership to manage Nigeria’s oil resources responsibly.

The crowd highlighted the crippling effects of skyrocketing fuel prices and long-standing fuel queues, which they claim are fueling inflation and pushing more Nigerians into poverty.

They criticized the current fuel subsidy, arguing it has benefited only a privileged few while leaving millions of citizens grappling with high costs.

The protesters demanded full deregulation of the oil sector to promote transparency, competition, and fairer pricing.

They also decried the recurring importation of adulterated fuel, calling it a corrupt practice that damages vehicles and businesses and affects the public’s daily life.

Additionally, the group voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to end Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports, despite billions of dollars in investments toward refinery development and existing infrastructure upgrades.

They argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should not be facing such severe fuel shortages.

Highlighting the economic impact of the fuel crisis, protesters noted inflation rates over 24% and a 200% surge in fuel costs, which they believe is pushing more citizens into poverty.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize citizens’ needs by reforming the leadership within the oil sector and ensuring greater accountability.

In a statement to the press, Abdullahi Bilal expressed the protesters’ frustration, saying, “This Two Million Man March represents the voices of Nigerians who feel betrayed by a system enriching a few at the expense of many. We are calling for the resignation of those leading the oil sector due to their failure to control fuel prices and ensure a stable supply. We demand the removal of the subsidy system that has served only to enrich a select few. Nigerians deserve full deregulation to bring fairness and competition to the oil sector.”

Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac echoed these sentiments, demanding an end to fuel queues and immediate accountability for the importation of substandard fuel despite quality control assurances.

They vowed to continue their protest until tangible changes are made to address these long-standing issues.