In Abuja, a considerable assembly of activists convened at the Three Arms Zone yesterday, advocating for comprehensive reforms in the oil sector.
This protest was orchestrated by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum and included participation from various youth and civil society organizations. The protesters articulated their dissatisfaction with escalating fuel prices, ongoing fuel shortages, and the exacerbating economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
During the protest, which took place in proximity to the National Assembly Complex, the group's leaders, Kabir Matazu and Daniels Momoh, characterized the current fuel crisis as indicative of systemic failures within the sector.
They submitted a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, asserting that despite repeated assurances from relevant authorities, shortages, and elevated prices persist, adversely affecting citizens and undermining public confidence in the government's management of oil resources.
The demonstrators emphasized the absence of operational local refineries, despite a government investment of $4 billion, as a critical oversight and management failure. They contended that the government’s inertia not only compromises the administration’s 'renewed hope' agenda but also highlights the urgency for a change in leadership that prioritizes accountability.
The lack of a definitive plan to rejuvenate and operationalize local refineries was identified as a significant concern. The assembly also raised issues regarding unresolved corruption within the oil sector, calling on the National Assembly to institute rigorous measures to prohibit the importation of substandard petroleum products, which pose risks to public health and safety.
The protesters demanded the formation of an investigative committee to examine alleged misconduct, advocating for punitive measures against any implicated officials through anti-corruption agencies.
They further urged the National Assembly to take decisive action to reform the industry, ensuring its efficient operation and alignment with the nation’s economic interests.
The protest leaders conveyed, "We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalization and operationalization of our local refineries to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products and decrease reliance on imports.
The National Assembly must implement and enforce stringent regulations to preclude the importation of substandard petroleum products, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerians.
We implore the President to appoint a qualified individual with the necessary integrity and expertise to navigate the complexities of the oil sector and restore public confidence.
We also call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of corruption within the oil sector."
Moreover, we insist that those accountable be held responsible and referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.
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