The recent surge in fuel prices and the ensuing petrol scarcity across Nigeria have created widespread frustration and anger among the population.
As petrol queues grow longer by the day, many Nigerians are reaching a breaking point.
Both Dangote Group and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) play pivotal roles in the fuel sector.
On Monday, Nigerians were greeted with yet another hike in price after waiting for years to hear that they can now get petrol from Dangote refinery.
Now the petrol is in tanks of the NNPC, but the cost is higher than what they get at the moment.
The unwelcomed new price is raising tensions and there are chances that the country may soon witness large-scale protest.
As the fuel crisis deepens, the likelihood of major protests across Nigeria is increasing.
Here are three key reasons protest may happen soon.
1. Economic Hardship
The entire economy has been impacted by the growing cost of fuel.
The costs of transportation, services and basic necessities have all skyrocketed.
Also, it places further strain on Nigerian households who are already struggling.
Many Nigerians are finding it impossible to make ends meet as a result of rising prices and stagnating wages.
Indeed, this might spark widespread unrest and massive protests.
2. Government Inaction
Many Nigerians believe that not enough has been done by the government to alleviate the fuel crisis.
President Bola Tinubu has justified the increases in fuel prices as essential to the nation’s progress.
However, the public is dissatisfied with the absence of concrete measures to address the shortage and the rapidly rising expenses.
The government’s credibility has been severely damaged by its inability to maintain constant fuel prices.
Also, the people are losing trust in the government.
3. Labour Union Agitation
The NLC and other organised labour groups have already expressed their displeasure with the federal government over the latest fuel price hikes.
In a recent statement, the NLC accused the government of reneging on its agreement not to approve further fuel price increases following the ₦70,000 minimum wage deal.
Labour unions have historically been at the forefront of protests in Nigeria.
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However, with public support mounting, they may soon mobilise nationwide demonstrations against the government and the current state of fuel scarcity.
They will push for a new salary rate.
