A coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called for immediate action against Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for allegedly sabotaging the country’s efforts to achieve energy independence and promoting harmful policies that hinder local refineries.
The protest, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday, saw the group demanding an investigation into the NNPCL’s policies and the removal of Kyari from office. Segun Adebayo, the national spokesperson for the coalition, criticized the NNPCL’s management for prioritizing profit over national interest. According to Adebayo, the NNPCL has continued to impose the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), despite Nigeria’s ability to refine fuel locally. He argued that this dependency on fuel imports costs Nigeria billions of dollars each year, straining the economy and exposing the country to global oil price fluctuations.
“The cabal within NNPCL is frustrating efforts towards energy self-sufficiency and job creation. This is a national issue, and we must hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” Adebayo said, urging President Bola Tinubu to step in and prevent further economic damage by supporting local refineries.
Adebayo also pointed out that Nigerian industrialists like Aliko Dangote have made significant investments in local refineries, yet the NNPCL continues to hinder these efforts. Instead of supporting local refining, the NNPCL has focused on imported fuel, discouraging investors and impeding economic growth.
The group also proposed that Nigeria sell crude oil to local refineries in naira, rather than dollars, to reduce foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the naira. “Such a policy would promote the growth of the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce domestic fuel prices,” said Benjamin James, the national coordinator of the coalition.
The protesters warned that if their demands were not met, they would take their advocacy to all 36 states of the federation, pledging to continue their efforts until reforms within the NNPCL are implemented.
“Failure to act will see us escalate this protest nationwide. We will not rest until this administration addresses the issues of transparency, accountability, and reform in the NNPCL,” James concluded.
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