The Take-It-Back Movement has issued a call for Nigerians to unite and prepare for the upcoming #FearlessInOctober protest, aimed at addressing the rising economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The pro-democracy group strongly criticized the policies of Tinubu’s government, characterizing them as symbols of corruption and economic oppression. They further condemned the administration for the skyrocketing cost of living that has burdened Nigerians since Tinubu took office.
In a statement released on Tuesday via its official X handle (formerly known as Twitter), the movement urged Nigerians to mark October 1 as a day for nationwide protest, rallying behind the hashtags #FearlessInOctober and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria2.0.
The group’s message emphasized the need for collective action, stating: “Nigerians, brace yourselves: General Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a symbol of hardship and corruption, has taken the helm. Mark your calendars for October 1 and join the #FearlessInOctober #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria2.0 protest to fight for our nation’s future and end the oppressive rule.”
This protest call comes in the midst of widespread dissatisfaction over Nigeria’s current economic conditions, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023. The decision to end the subsidy has led to unprecedented hikes in fuel prices, further exacerbating the already difficult living conditions for many Nigerians.
According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), fuel prices now range from N855 to N897 per litre, depending on the location. Independent marketers have set their prices even higher, with some charging between N930 and N1,200 per litre.
Since the subsidy was removed, the price of petrol has more than tripled, significantly worsening the financial burden on citizens who depend heavily on fuel for transportation and electricity generation.
The Take-It-Back Movement’s call for protest on October 1 is expected to intensify public debate about the nation’s leadership and the consequences of Tinubu’s policies.
In a related development, it was reported earlier that oil marketers have raised concerns over the potential price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The landing cost of imported petrol has surged to approximately N1,120 per litre, creating additional pressure on dealers to seek alternative sources for fuel supply.
In July, the landing cost was reported at N1,117 per litre, and the continuous rise has prompted independent dealers to consider options such as collaborating with international suppliers.
The price of petrol at the pump has been steadily increasing, from between N600 and N700 per litre in July to between N855 and N897 per litre recently. Some independent marketers have even set their prices above N1,000 per litre.
Meanwhile, the delay in announcing the official price of petrol from Dangote’s refinery has added to the uncertainty, causing independent marketers to explore foreign partnerships for fuel importation.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, confirmed that discussions are underway with international partners to explore the feasibility of importing fuel, given the open market competition.
