Hundreds of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday to protest against rising fuel prices, shortages, and worsening economic conditions. 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), the demonstrators demanded immediate reform of the oil sector and accountability from leaders responsible for Nigeria’s energy crisis.
Protesters highlighted how skyrocketing fuel costs, persistent queues, and inflation, now above 24%, are driving many into poverty. The crowd called for the complete deregulation of the oil sector to encourage transparency and fair pricing and criticized the current subsidy system, claiming it benefits only a few elites.
The demonstrators also voiced discontent over the unfulfilled promises of the Dangote Refinery to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports, despite billions invested in refinery infrastructure. Citing fuel price hikes of over 200% and the recurrent importation of substandard fuel, the protestors urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize citizen needs through immediate leadership changes and sector reforms.
Abdullahi Bilal, representing the protesters, called for the resignation of key oil sector officials, arguing that their failure to manage prices and ensure a steady fuel supply has harmed Nigerians nationwide. He declared, “This protest represents the voices of millions betrayed by a system that serves only the privileged few.”
Barrister Otache and Olayemi Isaac echoed the demands, vowing to continue protests until concrete action is taken to end fuel queues and ensure accountability in the oil sector.
