Scores of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday to stage a large-scale protest against rising fuel costs, persistent fuel shortages, and worsening economic hardship.
Led by Abdullahi Bilal from the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, along with Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators called for urgent action to address what they labeled as failed leadership in the country’s oil sector.
At the heart of the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the endless queues at gas stations, which protesters argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, asserting that it has benefited only a select few while leaving the majority to grapple with high prices. They demanded full deregulation of the oil sector to promote transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.
Additionally, protesters decried the importation of adulterated fuel, calling it a corrupt practice that damages vehicles and harms businesses. They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how low-quality fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.
The group also criticized the unfulfilled promises of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities. They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, forcing Nigeria to rely on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.
Protesters highlighted the economic impact of the fuel crisis, citing inflation rates exceeding 24% and a 200% increase in fuel prices, factors they claim are deepening poverty nationwide. They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by restructuring leadership in the oil sector, enforcing accountability, and prioritizing the needs of citizens. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.
Speaking to reporters during the demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March represents a united voice for every citizen who has been let down by a system that enriches a few at the expense of many. Today, we demand the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the oil sector, which has failed Nigerians.
“Under their management, fuel prices have soared without consultation or regard for the devastating impact on the populace. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.
“We demand the complete elimination of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime, which has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is essential to ensure transparency, competition, and fairness in 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 countless hours in fuel queues. 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 resolve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.
“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a staggering 24.5% as of November 2024, with fuel prices increasing over 200%, pushing millions deeper into 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 these sentiments, insisting, “This act of economic sabotage has resulted in endless fuel queues, soaring prices, and unprecedented disruptions to the daily lives of Nigerians. We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all parties involved. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”
