CSOs, Youth Group Back Oil Sector Reforms, Urge Protesters to Follow Due Process

• Says real accountability should start from states and local governments
• Urges Youths to refrain from being used by selfish shadow parties

‎In a show of solidarity with Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the League of Civil Society Groups, in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, staged a peaceful gathering in Abuja on Monday, expressing support for ongoing reforms while calling for wider accountability across all levels of governance.

‎Speaking at the event, President of the League, Bassa Mohammed, emphasized that the development of the nation is closely tied to the strength and efficiency of the oil and gas industry, noting that while some progress has been made, the institutions managing the sector must continue to receive support as Nigerians monitor their activities to ensure transparency and delivery.

‎”We are here to say we see the efforts in the oil sector. If there is a need, we will hold them accountable. But as of today, we have not seen them going astray,” Mohammed stated.

He, however, expressed concern over some youths being used by selfish actors in the streets of Abuja under the guise of protests, warning that such actions could lead to chaos if not properly handled.

‎”There are proper channels for addressing grievances, even the president can be removed by due process if need be. We cannot allow the country to be thrown into disorder just because some people want to push personal agendas,” he said.

‎Addressing the public outcry over the high cost of petrol and cooking gas, Mohammed explained that while the hardship is real, Nigerians must understand that the previous subsidy regime largely benefited a few powerful individuals. He said the money saved from subsidy removal should now be invested in sectors like health, education, and agriculture. He challenged Nigerians to begin holding their state and local leaders accountable, stressing that these levels of government are now receiving significantly higher allocations.

‎Also speaking at the gathering, Comrade Muktar Akoshile, Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, urged young people to look beyond the temporary pains of subsidy removal and focus on the long-term gains.

He pointed to various youth-targeted programs by the government and urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be manipulated by self-serving individuals seeking to monopolize the national space. “We are tired of seeing youths on the streets of Abuja. Let the sponsors of these chaotic protests leave young people out of their games,” Akoshile said.

‎Both leaders called on Nigerians to engage responsibly and constructively, stressing that nation-building requires patience, accountability at all tiers of government, and a united front against actions that could plunge the country into disorder. They however, reaffirmed their commitment to continue monitoring the oil and gas sector, supporting meaningful reforms, and holding all public officials to account, be it at the federal, state, or local government levels.