Nigerians Take to the Streets: Mass Protest in Abuja Over Fuel Crisis, Price Hikes

In Abuja, a large protest erupted Monday as Nigerians took to the streets, voicing frustration over rising fuel costs, persistent fuel shortages, and escalating economic hardship. The demonstration was led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal alongside Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN). Protesters gathered to demand swift government action to address what they called a “failed leadership” in managing Nigeria’s oil sector.

The protest centered on grievances about steep fuel price hikes and prolonged fuel shortages, which protesters argued are fueling inflation and driving millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty. Many condemned the current fuel subsidy framework, claiming it has only enriched a small elite while leaving the majority struggling under higher prices.

Protesters called for a complete deregulation of the oil sector, seeking greater transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing. They criticized the continued importation of low-quality, adulterated fuel, describing it as a corrupt practice harming citizens by damaging vehicles and disrupting businesses. Demonstrators demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those enabling such practices, questioning how substandard fuel enters Nigeria despite supposed quality checks.

They also voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to address Nigeria’s fuel crisis, questioning the billions of dollars spent on building and upgrading refineries, given the country’s ongoing dependency on costly fuel imports despite being an oil-rich nation.

Highlighting the economic toll, protesters cited inflation now exceeding 24% and a staggering 200% spike in fuel prices, two factors deepening poverty nationwide. They urged President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the leadership in the oil sector, enforce accountability, and prioritize citizens’ needs.

Speaking to journalists, Abdullahi Bilal declared, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every Nigerian betrayed by a system that enriches the few at the expense of the many. We call for the immediate resignation of the oil sector’s leadership due to their failure to serve Nigerians.”

“Under their watch,” Bilal continued, “fuel prices have skyrocketed without any consultation, causing hardship for everyday Nigerians. Meanwhile, substandard fuel imports persist, damaging vehicles and businesses. We demand an end to the fraudulent fuel subsidy that has served only a select few. We need full deregulation to bring transparency and fairness to our oil sector.”

Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac echoed these concerns, condemning what they called an act of “economic sabotage” that has resulted in endless fuel queues and unprecedented disruption to daily life. “We demand an end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all parties involved. It’s essential to understand how substandard fuel enters the country, despite repeated quality control assurances,” they asserted.