Youth Protesters Call For NNPCL Chief Mele Kyari’s Resignation Over Fuel Crisis
Scores of young Nigerians, accompanied by civil society organizations, gathered outside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters to demand the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. The demonstrators, led by Abdullahi Bilal of the “Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal” alongside Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria, criticized Kyari’s leadership, citing high fuel prices, continuous shortages, and a negative impact on Nigeria’s economy.
The protestors carried placards with messages such as “we demand the immediate resignation of Kyari” and called out issues ranging from soaring inflation caused by fuel price hikes to persistent fuel queues across the country. They argued that these fuel-related challenges have worsened living conditions, driving more Nigerians into poverty. The protesters also criticized the importation of substandard fuel, alleging that such practices damage vehicles and businesses, and demanded accountability from officials involved.
Concerns were also raised about unfulfilled promises surrounding the Dangote refinery, which was expected to address Nigeria’s fuel scarcity. Despite significant investments in this project and other refineries, the protestors argued, Nigeria remains dependent on expensive fuel imports despite being an oil-producing nation. They urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate a complete overhaul of the oil sector’s leadership and prioritize transparency and efficiency.
During the protest, Abdullahi Bilal addressed reporters, asserting, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many. Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians. We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime and a move toward full deregulation to foster transparency and competition.”
Otache and Isaac echoed these sentiments, demanding an end to the economic hardships and lack of accountability in the sector. They questioned how substandard fuel continues to enter Nigeria, calling for stricter quality controls and a commitment to addressing fuel scarcity.
In response, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye dismissed the protests, claiming the demonstrators lacked a true understanding of the oil sector. Soneye emphasized that Kyari had ensured fuel availability at a stabilized price of N620 per litre for over a year, despite rising costs. He challenged the protesters to provide evidence of any adulterated fuel imported by NNPCL, stating, “If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC.”
Soneye further stressed that NNPCL’s focus remains on advancing President Bola Tinubu’s energy sector reforms and assured that they would not be deterred by protests, adding, “We are committed to implementing President Tinubu’s roadmap for the sector and ensuring energy security for our nation.”
