On Monday, Abuja witnessed a wave of protests as frustrated Nigerians took to the streets to demand an end to the ongoing fuel scarcity plaguing the country. The demonstrations, led by the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, aimed to draw attention to the worsening situation and urge the federal government to take immediate action.
The convener of the coalition, Comrade Aminu Abbas, spoke passionately at the rally held at the Abuja Unity Fountain. He placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). According to Abbas, Kyari’s failure to address the issues surrounding fuel supply has led to the current crisis.
“We are tired of hearing stories about our refineries,” read one of the placards held by the protesters. Others carried messages like “No direction, Kyari is just drifting with the wind” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL,” reflecting the growing anger and frustration among the populace.
The coalition also condemned the dire state of the country’s refineries, accusing the authorities of sabotaging local refinery operations. They claimed that the situation has only worsened over time, with no clear resolution in sight.
“Why do we, the people, have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether we can fuel our vehicles or power our homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement” Abbas questioned.
The protesters called out Kyari for his lack of solutions to the crisis, questioning why the nation’s refineries, which should be central to fuel supply, remain in such disrepair.
“What has Kyari done to alleviate this crisis? Where are the solutions?” Abbas asked, voicing the concerns of many Nigerians.
The rally also touched on the broader implications of the ongoing fuel scarcity, highlighting how it undermines President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The coalition emphasized that this agenda, which promises prosperity and security for all Nigerians, is at risk if the fuel crisis continues unabated.
“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history,” Abbas said, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the situation.