On Monday, waves of frustrated Nigerians flooded the streets of Abuja, launching a large-scale protest over soaring fuel prices, severe fuel shortages, and escalating economic hardships.
Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal alongside Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), demonstrators voiced discontent with what they described as failed leadership in managing Nigeria’s oil sector.
At the heart of the protest were grievances over surging fuel prices and long queues at filling stations, which protesters said have driven inflation to unprecedented levels, exacerbating poverty across the country. They condemned the current fuel subsidy, arguing it has only enriched a select few while leaving the majority of Nigerians struggling with rising costs.
Protesters called for full deregulation of the oil sector to foster transparency, competition, and fairer pricing. They also decried the continued importation of substandard fuel, which they claimed damages vehicles and disrupts businesses.
The demonstrators demanded an immediate end to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how adulterated fuel still enters the country despite quality control measures.
Criticism was also directed at the Dangote Refinery, which had been touted as a solution to Nigeria’s fuel crisis. Protesters expressed frustration over the billions of dollars invested in the refinery and other facilities, noting that the nation remains heavily reliant on costly fuel imports, despite its status as an oil producer.
Citing economic impacts, protesters highlighted inflation rates surpassing 24% and a 200% increase in fuel prices, both of which have deepened poverty and strained household budgets. They called on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul leadership within the oil sector, enforce stricter accountability measures, and prioritize citizens’ welfare.
Abdullahi Bilal, speaking to journalists during the demonstration, emphasized the significance of the movement. “The Two Million Man March stands as a voice for every Nigerian betrayed by a system that enriches the few at the expense of the many. We demand immediate resignation of the current oil sector leadership, who have failed the people,” he stated.
He continued, “Fuel prices have soared with no regard for the devastating impact on ordinary Nigerians. Scarcity persists, and substandard fuel imports further add to the hardship. We call for full deregulation, transparency, and an end to harmful practices that undermine our livelihoods.”
Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac also spoke passionately, condemning what they described as “economic sabotage” that has led to unending fuel queues, inflated prices, and significant disruptions to daily life. They demanded transparency from all stakeholders in the oil industry and called for an end to practices that perpetuate Nigeria’s dependency on imports.
The protesters vowed to continue their mobilization efforts until their demands for reform, accountability, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s fuel crisis are met.
