{"id":3036,"date":"2024-11-05T08:04:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T08:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/?p=3036"},"modified":"2024-11-05T08:05:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T08:05:18","slug":"massive-protest-rocks-abuja-over-fuel-crisis-food-price-increase-hardship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/2024\/11\/05\/massive-protest-rocks-abuja-over-fuel-crisis-food-price-increase-hardship\/","title":{"rendered":"Massive Protest Rocks Abuja Over Fuel Crisis, Food Price Increase, Hardship."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scores of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, launching a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s oil sector.<\/p>\n

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Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.<\/p>\n

Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria\u2019s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.<\/p>\n

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.<\/p>\n

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Highlighting the impact of the fuel crisis on the economy, protesters cited inflation surpassing 24% and a 200% rise in fuel prices, factors they say are deepening poverty across the country.<\/p>\n

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They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens\u2019 needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.<\/p>\n

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cToday, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country\u2019s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cNigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis\u2014no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cTo the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation\u2019s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

On their part, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac, insisted: \u201cThis act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties.\u00a0 We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.\u201d<\/p>\n

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