On Monday, scores of Nigerians converged in Abuja for a large-scale protest, denouncing soaring fuel prices, chronic shortages, and the escalating economic hardship these issues have caused.
Led by Barrister Napoleon Otache, Olayemi Isaac of Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), and Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, the demonstrators demanded swift action to address what they describe as failed leadership within Nigeria’s oil sector.
Central to their grievances were skyrocketing fuel prices and long queues, which they argue have driven inflation, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty. The protesters criticised the current fuel subsidy system, claiming it benefits only a few elites while leaving most Nigerians grappling with high costs. They called for full deregulation of the oil sector, pushing for transparency, competition, and more equitable fuel pricing.
The group also condemned the importation of substandard fuel, a practice they argue harms citizens and damages vehicles. They called for an immediate halt to such imports, demanding accountability for those responsible and questioning how these quality issues persist despite supposed oversight.
Furthermore, protesters voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to alleviate Nigeria’s fuel crisis, noting the billions spent on refining infrastructure with no apparent relief from shortages. They pointed to inflation exceeding 24% and a 200% surge in fuel costs, which they say deepens poverty across the country.
The protesters urged President Bola Tinubu to overhaul leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability and prioritising the welfare of citizens. They vowed to continue mobilising until their demands for reform and transparency are met.
Addressing the press, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “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. 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.”
Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac echoed the sentiment, stating, “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.”