A crowd of protesters stormed the National Petroleum Company Limited headquarters in Abuja on Monday, demanding an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria.
Organized by the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria and the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, the protesters described the situation as a “national disgrace” and emphasized that it poses significant challenges to the country, according to Nairametrics.
In a statement by CEFRAN conveners Bar. Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaacs, demanded “an immediate end to fuel queues in Nigeria,” stating that the importation of adulterated fuel has led to unprecedented.
Bar Otache said that the fuel queue crisis and allegations of substandard petrol have compelled hardworking Nigerians to spend valuable hours waiting for a basic necessity—fuel that is produced domestically.
He emphasized that this situation is frustrating and unacceptable, given the country’s capacity to produce quality fuel.
“We gather today in the spirit of unity and shared determination, driven by a profound sense of outrage and urgency. We are here to address a crisis that has plagued our nation for far too long—one that strikes at the heart of our economy, our daily lives, and our fundamental rights.
““I speak of the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the unbearable impact it has had on us all.
“Let us ask ourselves, why, in a country so rich in oil, should we, the people, endure endless fuel queues? Why should we be forced to suffer through the cost and hardship of unreliable fuel supplies while those responsible for the importation of substandard fuel continue to profit at our expense?” he said.
He stressed that the health and safety risks associated with adulterated fuel pose a direct threat to both the environment and the well-being of Nigerians. This situation damages vehicles, increases pollution, and deteriorates air quality, leading to serious health implications for the population.
“This is not just a fuel crisis; it is a crisis of responsibility and accountability,” the group added.
The protesters urged the “NNPCL and all involved parties” to demonstrate transparency and honesty, letting Nigerians know how adulterated fuel continues to make its way into the country, despite numerous assurances of quality control.
The protesters also took the opportunity to urge the federal government to invest in the construction and maintenance of local refineries capable of meeting Nigeria’s fuel demands. They argued that strengthening domestic production would help alleviate the current crisis and ensure fuel quality.
“Nigeria has the resources, the talent, and the ambition to be self-sufficient. Yet, time and time again, we have been held back by mismanagement and corruption. The importation of fuel must no longer be a crutch for our energy needs,” the conveners stated.
They demanded that Nigeria’s refining capabilities be restored and expanded to eliminate the need for costly and potentially dangerous petroleum imports. This expansion, they argued, is crucial for ensuring energy security and economic stability in the country.
Recall that, in July, the Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, criticized certain staff and oil regulatory stakeholders for opening a blending plant in Malta, claiming it undermines local crude extraction and production efforts.
He expressed concern that such actions are detrimental to Nigeria’s oil industry and its potential for self-sufficiency.
He said, “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people, and some traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.”
A blending plant is a facility that lacks refining capabilities and but used to produce finished petrol by blending oxygenates with gasoline, among other processes.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, in a rebuttal, vowed to sanction any of its staff operating a blending plant in Malta.
Kyari denied owning a blending plant, stating that he is only involved in a local mini-agriculture venture. He also asserted that he was unaware of any NNPC employee engaged in blending plant activities, reinforcing his commitment to local production and adherence to regulations.
He stated, “To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world, with the exception of a local mini-agriculture venture.
“Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC who owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.”
He asserted that a blending plant in Malta, or any other location, does not impact NNPC’s business operations or strategic initiatives. He emphasized that NNPC is dedicated to enhancing local production and meeting the country’s fuel requirements.
