Fuel crisis, occasioned by the poor management of Nigeria’s oil sector, has led to multiple protests in recent times. Another took place on Friday, at the National Assembly complex.
Another protest took place in Abuja on Friday, following the ongoing fuel crisis in the country. A coalition of civil society organizations led the charge. It called for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The protest took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday. Activists accuse Kyari and NNPCL of sabotaging Nigeria’s local refinery initiatives, exacerbating the country’s ongoing fuel crisis.
Activists demand action on fuel crisis and local refining sabotage
Spokesperson for the coalition, Kennedy Tabuko, criticized NNPCL’s management for undermining local refinery projects in favor of profit-driven fuel imports. Tabuko stated that the government’s ongoing dependence on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is harming Nigeria’s economy, particularly by draining foreign reserves.
“We are protesting because the government continues to prioritize fuel imports, even though Nigeria has local refineries,” Tabuko said. “This decision only worsens the fuel crisis and weakens our foreign reserves.”
The coalition expressed frustration with the lack of support for domestic refining, which they argue could alleviate Nigeria’s energy dependency. They claim that NNPCL’s policies are intentionally blocking the operation of modular refineries and preventing the country from becoming self-sufficient in fuel production.
Fuel Crisis: A drain on Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves
The protesters are demanding that the Nigerian government investigate NNPCL’s operations. They argue that continued reliance on imported fuel is draining the nation’s foreign reserves and exacerbating Nigeria’s economic challenges. Segun Adebayo, the coalition’s national spokesperson, further highlighted the economic risks of this strategy.
“Fuel imports are draining our foreign reserves, putting unnecessary strain on the economy,” Adebayo stated. “Nigeria can achieve energy independence and economic growth if local refineries like the Dangote Refinery are fully supported. Yet, NNPCL’s priorities seem focused on imports, hindering progress and job creation.”
The coalition warns that without a change in leadership at NNPCL and a shift in policy, Nigeria’s fuel crisis will only worsen. They have called on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly to address the situation.
Protesters seek Tinubu’s intervention
The coalition has also urged President Tinubu to intervene, stressing that failure to address the situation could lead to further economic deterioration. They have called for an investigation into potential corruption within NNPCL, particularly in relation to the importation of PMS.
“We appeal to President Tinubu, a leader who listens to his people, to take action now,” Adebayo urged. “The fuel crisis is harming ordinary Nigerians. The government must address the monopolistic control over the country’s fuel market.”
The protestors vowed to continue their nationwide rallies until their demands are met. They insist that Nigeria’s fuel market should be restructured to support local industries and ensure fair pricing, thus helping Nigeria regain energy sovereignty.
Impacts on Nigerians
The ongoing fuel crisis has continued to affect millions of Nigerians. Long queues at filling stations have become a daily sight, and many Nigerians are struggling with the high cost of fuel. As inflation rises and the price of goods and services soars, the situation is pushing more people into poverty.
Protestors argue that Nigeria’s vast natural resources should allow for affordable fuel and energy independence. However, they claim that vested interests within NNPCL and other government entities continue to prioritize fuel imports, further worsening the fuel crisis.
The coalition insists that an immediate shift in policy and leadership is necessary to stop the economic drain and bring an end to the country’s fuel dependency.
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