Nigerians protest over fuel crisis, inflation in Abuja

A large-scale protest against rising petrol prices, ongoing fuel crisis, and growing economic hardship was started by scores of Nigerians who assembled in Abuja on November 04, 2024.

According to report, the protesters, led by Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN) and Mr. Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, called for immediate action to address what they called poor leadership in the nation’s oil sector management.

Concerns over the endless lines and the soaring cost of petrol, which they claimed were causing inflation and plunging millions of Nigerians into poverty, were at the heart of the demonstrations.

According to the protesters, the existing gasoline subsidy system has mainly benefited a few number of people.

They further asserted that it has left the majority battling with exorbitant rates.

They demanded complete deregulation of the oil industry to guarantee openness, competition, and more equitable fuel prices.

The protesters questioned the importation of tainted fuel

The importation of tainted fuel was also denounced by protesters as a corrupt practice that damages businesses and automobiles, harming citizens.

They questioned how inferior fuel is getting into the nation despite quality control guarantees.

They also called for an immediate stop to these imports as well as accountability for those involved.

The organization also expressed dissatisfaction over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and facility renovations.

They criticized Dangote refinery’s unmet promise to address Nigeria’s gasoline shortage.

They contended that even while Nigeria produces oil, gasoline shortages still exist, making the country dependent on expensive imports.

Protesters highlighted the economic impact of the gasoline crisis by pointing to a 200% increase in fuel costs and inflation that has surpassed 24%, both of which they claim are making poverty worse nationwide.

They called on President Bola Tinubu to step in by reorganizing the oil industry’s leadership, imposing stricter accountability, and prioritizing the interests of the populace.

Until their demands for reform and openness are fulfilled, the demonstrators promised to keep up their mobilization.

During the large-scale protest, Mr. Abdullahi Bilal told reporters that “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.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector.

“Their management has failed Nigerians.

“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 suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel.

“We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays.

“We deserve better”, he added.

He went on to speak on the failed state of the oil refineries in the country.

“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery.

“Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.

“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024.

“Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.

“To the government, we say: enough is enough.

“Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare.

“We demand accountability, and we demand it now”, he added.

According to report, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac on their part, insisted: “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties.

“We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control”, they added.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook