Protesters demand NNPCL Boss Kyari’s removal, end to PMS imports
In a high-profile protest on Friday, a coalition of civil society organisations converged at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to demand the immediate removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The demonstrators alleged that Kyari’s leadership was sabotaging local refinery projects and exacerbating Nigeria’s dependence on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Leading the protest, coalition spokesperson Kennedy Tabuko voiced concerns over NNPCL’s management strategy, which he claimed prioritises profit-driven fuel importation over the revitalisation of local refineries.
“We’re here today because of the concerning actions within the oil sector. The government continues to prioritize fuel imports despite having local refineries, which only increases pressure on our foreign reserves,” Tabuko stated.
The protesters called for a government investigation into NNPCL’s operations, accusing the agency of deliberately obstructing modular refineries. They argued that such moves undermine Nigeria’s economic growth and independence.
Segun Adebayo, another coalition representative, emphasized the economic strain caused by the country’s reliance on imported fuel.
“This dependency on imported fuel drains Nigeria’s foreign reserves and puts our economy under significant strain,” he said. “Local refineries, such as the Dangote Refinery, have the potential to ensure energy independence and economic growth. However, vested interests within NNPCL prioritize imports, hindering progress toward self-sufficiency and job creation.”
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The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent further economic damage and address alleged corruption within NNPCL, particularly regarding PMS importation policies. They vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
“We once again plead with President Tinubu, a listening leader, to take action now. The time has come to curb monopolistic control over our resources and fuel market to build a Nigeria that empowers local industries, ensures fair fuel pricing, and promotes economic sovereignty,” Adebayo concluded.
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