KADUNA, Nigeria — The Arewa Citizens Watch for Good Governance, ACWGG, an advocacy group for good governance, has announced plans to organize massive protests on August 3, 2023, against removing the fuel subsidy in Nigeria.
The group is expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and is calling for his removal from office.
During a news conference on Sunday, July 30, 2023, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Aminu Abbas, spoke about the impact of the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, or petrol, which has led to widespread hunger in the Northern part of the country.
Abbas referred to the artificial fuel scarcity in 2022 and early 2023, which culminated in long queues at filling stations but mysteriously disappeared following the 2023 general elections.
He accused the NNPCL of systemic corruption and racketeering in the now-defunct subsidy administration, which enriched major marketers at the expense of ordinary citizens.
The Publicity Secretary further expressed concern over the decision to remove the subsidy, describing it as a deliberate attempt to punish the poor who voted for President Bola Tinubu.
He also criticized plans to reward the Pipeline Surveillance Contract to the Tompolo-owned Tantita Security Company, seeing it as a vote of no confidence in the Armed Forces.
In response to these issues, ACWGG is mobilizing its members to convene at the NNPCL Headquarters in Abuja for a protest that aims to pressure Kyari into stepping aside or being dismissed by President Tinubu.
The group has emphasized its intention to hold a peaceful protest and has called on security agencies to provide necessary protection.
The planned demonstration underscores the widespread discontent with the government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a move many see exacerbating economic hardships for ordinary Nigerians.
It also highlights concerns about the management and transparency of the country’s oil sector.
The ACWGG’s call to action follows the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) announcement of a similar protest scheduled for August 2, 2023.
The convergence of protests from different groups may signal a broader public opposition to the fuel subsidy removal, which will likely increase pressure on the government to address the grievances.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these planned protests and whether dialogue or concessions will be offered to address the concerns raised by these groups.
The coming weeks are likely to be critical in determining the trajectory of this contentious issue.
