By Agency report
Some Nigerians protesting against what they term escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship, have called for the immediate resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari.
The protesters, who stormed the NNPCL towers in Abuja, were led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN).
The demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.
The grievances of the protesters stemmed from skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high prices.
They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.
Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.
They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.
Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.
They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.
Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.
“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.
“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.
