A large group of activists gathered in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone yesterday, protesting the ongoing fuel crisis and demanding sweeping reforms in the nation’s oil sector.
Organized by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum, the demonstration included youth and civil society organizations. Protesters voiced their frustration over skyrocketing fuel prices, persistent shortages, and the worsening economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
During the protest, leaders of the group, Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh, spoke to journalists, highlighting the systemic failures in the oil sector as the root cause of the crisis.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, they criticized the government for its failure to deliver on promises of improved fuel availability, despite repeated assurances.
The protesters expressed outrage over the continued lack of operational local refineries, despite a reported $4 billion investment from the government. They argued that this oversight signifies a serious mismanagement of resources and undermines the government’s so-called “renewed hope” agenda.
“The government’s inaction on local refineries has led to a situation where the country remains dependent on imported fuel, contributing to soaring prices and persistent scarcity,” the protest leaders stated. “This reflects a failure in leadership and underscores the need for change.”
The protesters also raised concerns about corruption within the sector, calling for the National Assembly to take immediate action to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, which they said threaten public health and safety.
In addition to demanding a reform of the oil sector, they called for the creation of an investigative committee to probe allegations of misconduct in the industry. They urged that anyone found guilty be prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The protest leaders outlined a series of demands, including a clear roadmap for revitalizing and operating local refineries to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce reliance on imports. They also called for the National Assembly to enact stricter regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
“We urge the President to appoint a qualified individual with the integrity and expertise needed to lead the oil sector and restore public trust,” they said. “We also demand the immediate formation of a committee to investigate the ongoing corruption in the sector and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The protest highlights growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the oil sector, and the demonstrators are pressing for swift, decisive action to address their concerns.
