- Activists organised a protest in Abuja over fuel scarcity and rising fuel prices
- Protesters called for reforms to revitalise local refineries, reduce reliance on imports, and enact stricter regulations to prevent the import of substandard petroleum products
- The protesters urged the National Assembly and President to take bold action to restore trust and ensure the efficient operation of the oil sector
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Solidarity and Development Forum, together with youth and civil society groups, organised protests to voice their frustration with rising fuel prices, ongoing fuel scarcity, and the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria.
The protesters converged on Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, on Tuesday, November 6, calling for reforms in the oil industry.
Protesters demand roadmap for refinery revitalisation amid fuel crisis
Speaking to reporters at the protest near the National Assembly Complex, group leaders Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh called the ongoing fuel crisis a clear indication of deep-rooted failures within the oil industry.
The protest leaders said, “We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalisation and operationalisation of our local refineries to ensure self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce reliance on imports.
“The National Assembly must enact and enforce strict regulations to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, protecting the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We urge the President to appoint a qualified individual who possesses the integrity and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the oil sector and restore public confidence.
“We call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of sleaze and fraud within the oil sector.”
“Furthermore, we demand that those responsible be held accountable and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for prosecution.”
Protesters slam Nigeria's oil mismanagement, call for new leadership
Addressing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in a letter, they argued that the continued shortages and rising fuel prices, despite frequent government assurances, are harming the public and eroding trust in the government's management of the oil sector.
The protesters pointed out the failure to operate local refineries, despite a $4 billion government investment, as a major example of mismanagement and oversight.
The protesters claimed that the government's failure to act undermines the administration's "renewed hope" agenda and underscores the pressing need for new leadership committed to accountability.
Protesters call for regulations to stop import of substandard petroleum products
Furthermore, the protesters pointed to the absence of a clear plan for revitalising and operating local refineries as a major concern.
They also expressed worries about unresolved corruption within the sector and urged the National Assembly to implement stricter regulations to curb the import of substandard petroleum products, which pose risks to public health and safety.
Protesters pushed for the establishment of an investigative committee to probe the alleged wrongdoing, with the prosecution of any implicated officials by anti-corruption authorities.
They also urged the National Assembly to take bold action in reforming the industry, ensuring its efficient operation and alignment with the nation’s economic interests.
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Federal Government drops treason charges against minors
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government had dropped treason charges against minors involved in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of the charges and an investigation into the minors' arrest.