A large crowd of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday to protest against the escalating fuel costs, persistent fuel shortages, and deteriorating economic conditions in the country.
The protest, led by Abdullahi Bilal of the “Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal,” along with Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), called for immediate government intervention to address what they described as failures in leadership within the oil sector.
The demonstrators expressed their anger over the surging fuel prices and prolonged fuel queues, stating that these issues have contributed to rising inflation and pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty. They criticized the current fuel subsidy system, claiming it benefits only a small group while leaving the general population to face high costs.
The protesters called for full deregulation of the oil sector, demanding a system with greater transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing. They also condemned the importation of adulterated fuel, which they described as a corrupt practice that harms vehicles and businesses. The group urged authorities to halt the importation of substandard fuel and hold accountable those responsible for allowing it into the country despite quality control assurances.
In addition, the demonstrators voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promises surrounding the Dangote Refinery, which was expected to address Nigeria’s fuel crisis. They questioned the billions spent on developing new refineries and refurbishing older ones, pointing out that fuel shortages persist, forcing Nigeria—an oil-producing country—to continue relying on costly imports.
Highlighting the economic toll, protesters noted inflation rates above 24% and a 200% increase in fuel prices, which they said are driving more Nigerians into poverty.
The protest leaders called on President Bola Tinubu to replace the leadership in the oil sector, increase accountability, and prioritize the needs of citizens. The group vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are addressed.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, 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.”
Supporting Bilal’s position, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac emphasized, “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.”
