A large crowd of activists gathered in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone yesterday, staging a protest demanding urgent reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector. Organized by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum, the demonstration drew participants from various youth and civil society organizations who expressed their frustration with the ongoing fuel crisis and its severe impact on ordinary Nigerians.
The protestors voiced strong concerns over soaring fuel prices, persistent fuel shortages, and the escalating economic hardship that has gripped the nation. They were particularly critical of what they described as systemic failures within the oil industry and a lack of meaningful action from the government to address these issues.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Kabir Matazu, one of the group leaders, described the ongoing fuel crisis as a “reflection of the deep-seated failures within the oil sector.” He pointed out that despite repeated assurances from government officials, fuel shortages and inflated prices continue to plague the country, causing widespread discontent.
Danielsi Momoh, another protest leader, echoed Matazu’s sentiments, highlighting that the government’s inability to resolve these issues had eroded public trust. “The government’s failure to manage the oil sector effectively is not only harming the economy but is also eroding public confidence in its ability to deliver on its promises,” he said.
In addition to fuel scarcity, the protesters also raised concerns about the lack of operational local refineries, despite a significant $4 billion government investment in the sector. The absence of functioning refineries, they argued, is a major oversight and an example of mismanagement within the oil industry.
“We are asking why, after $4 billion of taxpayer money was spent, our refineries are still non-operational,” Matazu said. “This is a clear case of poor leadership and corruption that must be addressed immediately.”
The protestors argued that the government’s failure to revive the country’s refineries and tackle the fuel crisis undermines its own agenda of national renewal. “This government promised a renewed hope, but instead, we have seen nothing but continued suffering and hardship for the Nigerian people,” said Momoh.
The demonstrators also called for a more accountable leadership in the oil sector. They insisted that the government must put forward a concrete plan to revitalize the local refineries, reduce dependency on imported fuel, and ensure Nigeria’s energy security.
Another point raised by the protesters was the growing concern over corruption within the oil sector. They pointed to the importation of substandard petroleum products, which they claimed jeopardizes public health and safety. “The importation of low-quality fuel is a serious issue that threatens the health of Nigerians,” said one of the protestors.
The protesters demanded that the National Assembly take immediate action to curb corruption and prevent the importation of such products. “We want to see stronger regulations put in place that protect Nigerians from harmful products,” said Momoh. “This is about the health and safety of our people.”
In their letter to the leadership of the National Assembly, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the protest leaders called for the establishment of an investigative committee. They urged that the committee look into allegations of fraud and mismanagement within the oil sector.
“We demand that any government official found to be involved in corruption be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution,” said Matazu. The protesters made it clear that they would not rest until accountability is ensured and those responsible for the mismanagement of the oil sector are held to account.
The group further demanded that the National Assembly enact and enforce strict regulations to prevent the continued importation of substandard petroleum products. They emphasized the need for transparency and rigorous oversight to ensure the efficient functioning of the oil industry.
“We urge the National Assembly to pass laws that ensure the safety and integrity of petroleum products imported into the country,” said Momoh. “This is a matter of public health, and it cannot be overlooked any longer.”
The protestors also called on the President to appoint a qualified individual to head the Ministry of Petroleum, someone who possesses the necessary expertise and integrity to manage the oil sector effectively. “We need someone who can restore public confidence in the oil industry and implement real, lasting change,” Matazu said.
The demonstrators vowed to continue their activism until the government takes decisive action to address the fuel crisis and implement meaningful reforms in the oil sector. “We will not stop until we see results,” Momoh stated. “The people of Nigeria deserve better.”
