Youths took to the streets on Monday, converging at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, headquarters to demand the immediate resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Cyber Reporters gathered that the protest, led by Civil Society Organizations, including the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal and Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria, cited increasing fuel prices, prolonged fuel queues, and economic hardship as evidence of Kyari’s “incompetent leadership.”
The protesters carried placards with messages like “We demand the immediate resignation of Kyari” and accused the NNPCL of mismanaging the oil sector, thereby intensifying the economic strain on citizens.
This demonstration is a testament to the growing frustration among Nigerians regarding the country’s fuel crisis.
It was gathered that Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, Napoleon Otache, and Olayemi Isaac from the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria spearheaded the protest.
The group’s grievances stem from the perceived inefficiencies in the oil sector, which they believe Kyari’s leadership has failed to address.
In response to the protests, NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye in an interview defended Kyari’s tenure, emphasizing that the protesters lacked a full understanding of the complexities within the oil sector.
Soneye highlighted Kyari’s achievements, including maintaining fuel prices at ₦620 per litre despite higher landing costs of over ₦1,100 per litre.
According to Soneye, Kyari’s leadership has ensured Nigerians have access to fuel at a relatively stable price for over a year, despite fluctuations in the global oil market.
He urged the protesters to provide evidence supporting their claims of adulterated fuel imports, stating that NNPC Ltd does not engage in such practices.
The NNPC spokesperson emphasized that no group would deter or distract them from achieving this goal.
He said:
“Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at ₦620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above ₦1,100.”
“NNPC Ltd does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC.
“I won’t waste time engaging with individuals motivated by selfish interests. We have more pressing projects to accomplish to ensure energy security for our nation, rather than focusing on inconsequential groups. We are committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for the sector, and no group will deter or distract us from achieving this goal.”
