Protesters Rally at National Assembly Over Economic Hardship

Protesters Rally at National Assembly Over Economic Hardship and Oil Sector Reforms

In a powerful demonstration, a large group of protesters gathered yesterday in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, demanding urgent reforms within Nigeria’s oil sector. The protesters, primarily from the APC Solidarity and Development Forum, were joined by youth and civil society organizations who voiced their frustrations over rising fuel prices, ongoing fuel shortages, and the increasing economic hardship impacting Nigerians.

The protest, held near the National Assembly Complex, was led by group leaders Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh, who addressed journalists on the need for systemic change in the oil industry. According to Matazu and Momoh, the ongoing fuel crisis reflects deep-seated issues within the sector, including inefficiencies and mismanagement that have left citizens struggling under economic strain.

In a formal letter directed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the activists criticized the government’s failure to resolve these recurring issues. They argued that despite repeated promises to improve fuel availability and reduce prices, little has changed, eroding public trust in the government’s ability to manage oil resources responsibly.

One of the major concerns raised by the protesters was the lack of operational local refineries, despite a $4 billion government investment intended for refinery revitalization. They described this as a significant oversight, suggesting that the government’s inaction not only contradicts its “renewed hope” agenda but signals a need for leadership focused on transparency and accountability.

The protest also brought attention to unresolved issues of corruption within the oil sector. The protesters called on the National Assembly to implement strict regulations to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, which they argued endanger public health and safety.

Among their key demands, the protesters urged the establishment of an investigative committee tasked with addressing alleged misconduct within the oil sector. They called for any officials found culpable of corruption to be prosecuted through anti-corruption agencies, specifically recommending that cases be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Highlighting their demands, the protest leaders stated, “We demand a clear roadmap for revitalizing and operationalizing our local refineries to ensure self-sufficiency in petroleum products, reducing our reliance on imports. The National Assembly must enact and enforce stringent regulations to block the importation of substandard products, protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.”

They also appealed to the President to appoint a qualified individual with the expertise and integrity to address the challenges within the oil sector, a move they believe would restore public confidence. “We call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of fraud and corruption within the oil sector,” they added.

The protesters’ demands signal a broader call for accountability and efficiency within the industry, pushing for reforms that prioritize the nation’s economic welfare and ensure reliable access to fuel resources for all Nigerians.