A video has been circulating online, capturing the sight of commercial motorcyclists in Cameroon protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria. The protests were directed at President Bola Tinubu, who made the decision to eliminate the subsidy. Previous administrations had attempted to remove the subsidy, which has artificially kept fuel prices low, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Over the years, fuel prices have gradually increased despite the subsidy.
In 2012, Nigeria witnessed a major protest known as "Occupy Nigeria" when then-President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to abolish the subsidy. Tinubu, along with other prominent politicians, joined the protest at that time, arguing that the subsidy did not exist. However, during his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu unexpectedly announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. He stated that the subsidy was no longer sustainable and that the rising costs could not be justified given the dwindling resources. Tinubu further mentioned that the funds previously allocated for the subsidy would be redirected towards investments in public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation to improve the lives of millions.
Following Tinubu's speech, long queues started forming at petrol stations as Nigerians rushed to stock up on fuel before the expected price increase. Tinubu's office later issued a statement clarifying that the subsidy would be phased out by June 30. However, some filling stations began selling fuel at higher prices despite the clarification.
Shortly after the removal of the subsidy was confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a state-owned oil firm, fuel prices rose above N450 in certain states. This development sparked discontent among some commercial motorcyclists in Garoua, Cameroon, who took to the streets to protest against the decision. The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction in a mixture of Fulfulde and French while criticizing President Tinubu. The video capturing the protest quickly went viral, eliciting mixed reactions from Nigerians and reinforcing allegations that subsidized fuel from Nigeria is being smuggled to other countries and sold at a higher profit.
Overall, the video of the protests by Cameroonian motorcyclists against the removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu in Nigeria has gained significant attention online, highlighting the contentious issue and its impact on neighboring countries.
Watch below…
VIDEO: In Garoua, Cameroon, commercial motorcyclists are protesting the removal of petrol subsidy. They are expressing their dissatisfaction in a blend of Fulfulde and French, and criticizing President Tinubu. pic.twitter.com/N6SC8PFy8r
— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) June 7, 2023