By Uzair Adam
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took to streets on Monday to protest against the persistent fuel crisis in Nigeria, calling for immediate government intervention.
The protesters demanded a reduction in petrol prices, which they claimed has caused significant hardship for many Nigerians.
They also called for the dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, citing his tenure as ineffective in resolving the fuel scarcity.
The protest follows a statement from the NNPCL highlighting that its substantial debt to suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies.
Carrying banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” and “No direction under Kyari,” the protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in addressing the crisis.
The demonstration ended at Unity Fountain, where Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, voiced his concerns about the ongoing fuel scarcity in a nation rich in oil resources.
He urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other leaders to act swiftly to alleviate the situation, stating, “The time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr. Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.”