Protesters Storm National Assembly, Demand Action on Oil Sector Amid Fuel Crisis

A large crowd of activists gathered in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone on Tuesday, calling for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Led by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum alongside various youth and civil society groups, protesters voiced their frustrations over rising fuel prices, ongoing shortages, and worsening economic conditions impacting Nigerians.

During the demonstration near the National Assembly Complex, leaders Comrade Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh described the persistent fuel crisis as evidence of systemic issues within the industry.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the group highlighted that despite repeated government assurances, high prices and fuel shortages persist, eroding public confidence in the administration’s handling of oil resources.

The protesters criticized the lack of operational local refineries, despite a $4 billion government investment, as a major failure in leadership and oversight. They argued that this inaction undermines the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and emphasized the need for accountable leadership in the oil sector.

Additionally, they expressed concerns about the absence of a clear strategy to revitalize local refineries. Protesters also raised issues about unresolved corruption within the sector, urging the National Assembly to enact strict measures to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, which they claim jeopardize public health and safety.

The group called for an investigative committee to probe allegations of misconduct, demanding that implicated officials be prosecuted by anti-corruption agencies.

Protest leaders stated, “We demand a clear roadmap to revitalize and operationalize local refineries, ensuring self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reducing dependence on imports.

“The National Assembly must implement stringent regulations to prevent the entry of substandard petroleum products, safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We urge the President to appoint a qualified leader with the integrity and expertise required to manage the oil sector’s challenges and restore public trust.

“We also call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate alleged corruption within the oil sector, and for those responsible to be held accountable and prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”