A group of protesters has stormed Nigeria’s National Assembly, calling for the removal of Kyari from office. The protest highlights growing public dissatisfaction and political tensions.
The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged for prompt investigations into potential sabotage concerning the initiative to revitalize the country’s petroleum refineries.
This aligns with the group’s demand for the immediate dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, arguing that his management has negatively impacted local refineries.
At a protest rally held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday, the coalition of Civil Society Organisations stated that the NNPCL’s policies to reform the oil sector are primarily profit-driven and “hinder local initiatives aimed at promoting energy self-sufficiency and job creation.”
Speaking to journalists at the event, Segun Adebayo, the national spokesperson for the group, urged President Bola Tinubu to advise NNPCL leadership against implementing policies that might push Nigeria into deeper economic trouble.
He stated that although Nigeria has the capacity to refine fuel domestically, vested interests within the NNPCL persist in enforcing Premium Motor Spirit importation on the country. This reliance on imports drains billions in foreign currency annually and significantly burdens our economy. Furthermore, it is the citizens who suffer from volatile global oil prices and currency depreciation while this group benefits from keeping things as they are.
We must ensure accountability for those who prioritize personal gain at the expense of national prosperity. Their actions hinder Nigeria’s progress towards self-sufficiency, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the international oil market. This situation is neither acceptable nor sustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.
Prominent Nigerian industrialists, like Aliko Dangote, have made substantial investments in domestic refineries to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. The Dangote Refinery stands as a significant step towards achieving energy independence and fostering economic growth. Unfortunately, rather than supporting these initiatives, the cabal within NNPCL has obstructed local refinery operations by favoring imported PMS over encouraging local refining practices. This deliberate obstruction discourages investors, stifles job creation opportunities, and perpetuates Nigeria’s cycle of economic dependency.
We recognize President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria and his desire for the country’s prosperity. Therefore, we call on him to advise the leadership of NNPCL, under Mele Kyari, against implementing policies that could exacerbate economic challenges. It is crucial for the President to promptly initiate an investigation into this group’s actions within the fuel sector in order to uncover any potential manipulation or corruption.
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Additionally, Benjamin James, the national coordinator of the group, urged authorities to permit the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira.
He stated, “We strongly support a key policy change: requiring Nigerian crude oil to be sold to local refineries in naira instead of dollars. This adjustment would greatly decrease our foreign exchange losses while strengthening local businesses and safeguarding the naira. Transitioning to domestic sales of crude oil in naira would also convey a powerful message that Nigeria is committed to prioritizing its own industries and economic independence.”
Implementing this policy will enable local investors, stimulate growth in the refinery sector, generate jobs, and lower domestic fuel prices. It will bolster Nigeria’s economy and enhance our resilience to external economic pressures. Now is the time for Nigeria to take control of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits all Nigerians rather than just a select few.
The group additionally demanded the dismissal of the NNPCL’s leader and threatened to extend their protest to all 36 states in the federation if their demand was not fulfilled.
Today, we gather at the National Assembly to urge our representatives to support the Nigerian populace. We demand the prompt dismissal of Mele Kyari from his role as Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. Under his leadership, local refinery efforts have been thwarted, detrimental policies upheld, and a system perpetuated that damages our nation’s economy.
“If the government fails to take action, NICOCSO pledges today to persist in advocacy efforts by rallying daily across all 36 States to ensure our voices are heard. We will not relent until this administration addresses our calls for transparency, reform, and accountability within NNPCL. The future of our economy and the well-being of Nigerians hinge on decisive measures against those obstructing our journey toward energy independence,” he stated.
