Protest erupts in Abuja over fuel scarcity

Juliet Anine
3 Min Read

Scores of protesters took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate removal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, due to ongoing fuel scarcity in the country.

The protesters blamed the scarcity on poor management and called for urgent reforms according to the PUNCH.

The protest comes after NNPCL admitted that its large debts to suppliers are putting a strain on fuel supply, which is affecting the company’s operations and threatening the stability of fuel distribution in Nigeria.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also expressed concern over the rising cost of living and the arbitrary increase in petrol prices, which he said has led to fewer vehicles on Nigerian roads. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Falana called for an end to the “monumental fraud” in Nigeria’s fuel importation process.

The demonstrators marched through the streets chanting solidarity songs and holding banners that read, “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL.” They criticized Kyari’s leadership, stating that it has only worsened the fuel crisis.

Speaking to the press at Unity Fountain after the rally, Aminu Abbas, Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, questioned why Nigeria, a country rich in oil, continues to suffer from fuel scarcity.

“To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced,” Abbas said.

He added, “The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering. Under Mr Kyari’s leadership, the situation has gone from bad to worse, with no end in sight. What has he done to alleviate this crisis? It is clear he seems intent on maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer.”

Abbas also questioned why Nigerians must endure long queues, high prices, and uncertainty about whether they can fuel their vehicles or power their homes. “The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have become the hallmarks of Mr. Kyari’s leadership,” he stated.

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