According to Vanguard News, the Energy Justice Forum (EJF), a coalition of energy rights activists, has warned the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against continuing the reforms initiated by former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. The EJF described Kyari’s reforms as “dubious, dollar-chasing” and cautioned that following his path would be a “fatal mistake” for the new NNPCL leadership, including GCEO Bayo Ojulari and board chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida.
The group commended President Bola Tinubu for reinstating the naira-for-crude policy, stating that this move benefits local refineries and the broader Nigerian populace. Dr. Godknows Manager, national president of EJF, called the decision “the most patriotic intervention in Nigeria’s petroleum sector in recent history” and urged the new NNPCL leadership to align with the president’s reformist path.
Dr. Manager emphasized that the policy shift is not solely about Dangote Refinery but aims to support refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, ensuring that Nigerians are not perpetually subjected to dollar-denominated fuel pricing. He warned that continuing Kyari’s policies could undermine local refining and expose the country to foreign exchange shocks.
The EJF also called for a comprehensive audit of Kyari’s tenure, including all contracts, swaps, and transactions related to the liberalization of the petroleum sector. Dr. Manager stressed the need for transparency and collaboration with indigenous investors and local engineers to achieve Nigeria’s refining ambitions.
