A large crowd of protesters took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, voicing their frustration over the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued Nigeria for months. Demonstrators demanded the immediate removal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, citing his failure to resolve the crisis.
The protest follows NNPCL’s recent admission that its significant debts to fuel suppliers are threatening the country’s fuel supply stability. The corporation acknowledged that its financial woes are putting immense pressure on operations, leading to shortages that are affecting the daily lives of Nigerians.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has also expressed concerns over the impact of the fuel scarcity, noting that the rising cost of living and the unpredictable petrol prices have led to fewer vehicles on the roads. He stated on Sunday’s Channels Television’s Politics Today that it is essential to uncover the “monumental fraud” associated with Nigeria’s fuel importation system.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted songs and displayed banners with messages such as “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.” Protesters expressed their frustration with Kyari’s leadership, accusing him of mismanagement and failing to address the nation’s fuel crisis.
Aminu Abbas, Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, addressed the crowd at Unity Fountain in Abuja. He questioned why Nigeria, a nation rich in oil resources, continues to suffer from severe petrol scarcity. He called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders to take immediate action.
“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 declared.
Abbas further criticized Kyari’s leadership, claiming that the fuel scarcity has worsened under his tenure. He questioned why Nigerians must endure long queues, inflated prices, and uncertainty about fuel availability, attributing these issues to the alleged incompetence and mismanagement of NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership.
