Nigeria: Protest over fuel shortages in Abuja Feb. 21 /update 1

Event

Various activist groups, including the OurMumuDonDo Movement led by musician and social activist Charles Oputa (known as Charly Boy) - will hold a protest in Abuja on Wednesday, February 21. Protesters are expected to gather in front of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) building located on Herbert Macaulay Way beginning at 11:00 (local time). Traffic disruptions are likely in the area and clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

A prolonged fuel shortage has affected the country since November 2017. Long lines for fuel have continued to be reported across Nigeria as of mid-February. Among the areas most affected are the states of Lagos and Kaduna as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. Some stations have run out of fuel and closed, while others are selling fuel at elevated prices. Transportation fares have also increased in some areas as a consequence. Traffic disruptions associated with the long lines have been reported around affected gas stations. The cause of the current shortage remains unclear; some accuse the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of not having enough resources. Others place the blame on black market dealers attempting to paralyze oil distribution to increase prices.

Fuel shortages are not uncommon in Nigeria. In recent years they have been primarily caused by the inability of fuel importers to buy refined petroleum products. These periodic shortages have impeded commerce and economic growth and have resulted in widespread power outages among businesses that use petroleum-based generators as well as air traffic disruptions, among other disturbances.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to anticipate increased wait times at fuel stations, to replenish fuel supplies whenever possible, and to allow for additional time for travel in affected areas.

Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.