Fuel Scarcity Exacerbates Nigeria’s Cost of Living Crisis, Nationwide Protests Loom
As fuel scarcity grips various parts of Nigeria due to a strike by petroleum truck drivers, the already dire cost of living crisis in the country worsens. Fuel queues have emerged in major cities like Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Abeokuta, and Port Harcourt, following the strike initiated by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners on February 19, 2024.
The strike, prompted by the high cost of operations, has disrupted the transportation of petroleum products, exacerbating the fuel scarcity. Despite efforts by concerned authorities to address the challenges faced by truck drivers, the situation remains unresolved.
In response to the escalating economic hardship, protests have erupted in different areas. In Ibadan, Oyo State, youth took to the streets, disrupting commercial activities and demanding action from President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promises of “Renewed Hope” and alleviate economic suffering. Protesters carried placards expressing disillusionment with the current state of affairs and calling for an end to hardship.
Meanwhile, organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is gearing up for a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28. Labour unions are mobilising members across the country to participate in the protest, which aims to draw attention to the prevailing economic challenges and demand government action.
Benson Upah, Head of Information at the NLC, affirmed that the protest would proceed as planned, emphasizing that there have been no significant changes to warrant postponement. The decision to protest stems from the persistently rising prices of essential commodities and perceived inadequacies in government interventions to address the economic crisis.
The wave of protests, which initially began in Kano and Minna, reflects widespread discontentment with the economic situation and highlights the urgent need for tangible solutions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. As the fuel scarcity persists and protests loom on the horizon, the pressure mounts on the government to take decisive action to mitigate the cost of living crisis.
