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Fuel Crisis: Massive Protest Hits NNPC Towers
No fewer than 20,000 protesters on Monday stormed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) towers in Abuja, with demanding the immediate resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari.
The protesters, led by the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal and Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN) condemned Kyari’s leadership as incompetent, citing skyrocketing fuel prices, endless fuel queues, and economic hardship.
The protesters say Kyari’s leadership has failed Nigerians, prioritizing self-interest over national welfare.
In a statement signed by its co-convener, Abdullahi Bilal, the protesters demanded an end to the subsidy payments and full deregulation, as the current subsidy regime enriches a select few, while full deregulation would introduce transparency and fairness.
Additionally, Bilal called for an end to the importation of adulterated fuel, a harmful practice that must stop immediately, with those responsible held accountable.
The protesters also highlighted the failure of the Dangote Refinery to solve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, despite billions spent on rehabilitation.
According to Bilal, this mismanagement has led to 24.5% inflation and 200% fuel price increases, plunging millions into poverty.
The protesters, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu to relieve Kyari of his duties and overhaul the oil sector’s management immediately.
They vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands are met, seeking accountability and real progress in Nigeria’s oil sector.
“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,” Bilal said.
“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“His leadership has failed Nigerians. Under his 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.
“Mele Kyari has demonstrated sheer incompetence in managing NNPCL. He must step down to allow for the appointment of leaders who will prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over self-interest. The time for incompetent leadership is over.
“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.
“We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.
“Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.
“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.
“Meanwhile, billions of dollars meant for rehabilitating our existing refineries have disappeared, leaving us to continue importing fuel despite being a leading oil producer.
“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty. We cannot remain silent in the face of such deception.
“To President Bola Tinubu, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”
Similarly, the CEFRAN has condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for importing adulterated fuel into the country.
The group said this act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.
The CEFRAN led by Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac are demanding an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from NNPCL and all involved parties.
They want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control and who benefits from this crisis at the expense of Nigerians.
CEFRAN is calling for better governance, oversight, and respect for citizens.
They urged NNPCL to prioritize Nigerians’ well-being over profits and ensure only high-quality fuel enters the country.
The group also demands that the government invest in local refineries to meet domestic fuel demand, eliminating the need for costly and sometimes dangerous imports.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.