The Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement (COYYM) has called on the Arewa Youth for Good Leadership to shelve its planned protest scheduled for March 19, 2026, in Lagos, urging the group instead to collaborate with other youth and student organisations in advocating for a full supply of crude oil to local refineries across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji, the coalition stressed that the current fuel supply challenges in the country require collective and constructive engagement rather than protests capable of escalating tensions.
COYYM noted that the most critical issue facing Nigeria’s petroleum sector is the inadequate supply of crude oil to domestic refineries, particularly the Dangote Refinery, which the group described as a major strategic asset capable of stabilising fuel production and reducing the cost of petrol nationwide.
According to the coalition, rather than directing protests at the Dangote Refinery or linking the refinery to the recent fuel price increases, concerned groups should channel their energy toward demanding that the Federal Government ensure a steady and adequate supply of crude oil to all local refineries.
“The issue before us requires collective and collaborative efforts. What Nigerians should be advocating at this moment is the total supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries so that citizens can begin to enjoy more reasonable fuel prices,” the statement said.
The group explained that attributing the recent rise in fuel prices to the Dangote Refinery is misleading, adding that global developments, particularly tensions arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have significantly impacted crude oil prices on the international market.
COYYM further revealed that the Dangote Refinery has not been receiving full crude supply locally and has, at various times, been compelled to import crude oil from outside Nigeria to sustain its refining operations.
According to the coalition, available data indicates that the refinery currently receives only about 28 percent of its crude oil supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), while the highest allocation it has recorded so far stands at about 32 percent.
“This situation forces the refinery to source crude oil from international traders and middlemen, even though the refinery prefers to utilise Nigerian crude as much as possible,” the statement added.
The coalition therefore urged the Arewa Youth for Good Leadership to join forces with organisations such as the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS) and other youth bodies across the country to mobilise support for policies that would ensure adequate crude oil supply to domestic refineries.
COYYM also cautioned groups planning protests in the Southwest to avoid actions that could disrupt peace or create tension in the region, stressing that stability remains essential for economic and social progress.
The coalition called on Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation and instead remain informed about the global factors influencing fuel prices, noting that the current challenges in the petroleum sector are not limited to Nigeria alone but form part of wider global economic pressures.
Furthermore, the group issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure that 100 percent crude oil supply is made available to the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries.
COYYM warned that failure to meet this demand within the stipulated period would compel the coalition to mobilise thousands of its members and supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations across major roads and international airports in the Southwest and other parts of the country.
“We are committed to protecting the interest of our dear nation and ensuring that policies capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians are pursued with urgency,” the statement concluded.
Signed:
Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji
National President
Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement (COYYM)
