By Ayomide Otitoju
Scores of Nigerian youths, joined by civil society organizations, gathered on Monday at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja, demanding the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. The demonstrators accused Kyari of failing to address Nigeria’s worsening fuel crisis, marked by rising fuel prices, endless queues, and economic hardship.
Protesters held placards with messages such as “We demand the immediate resignation of Kyari,” criticizing his leadership as “incompetent.” Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal and Barristers Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac of Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria, the protesters voiced anger over the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The group’s grievances centered on skyrocketing fuel prices, prolonged fuel scarcity, and ongoing inflation, which they argued have driven millions of Nigerians into poverty. They also condemned the importation of adulterated fuel, calling it a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and disrupting businesses. The activists demanded an immediate stop to substandard fuel imports, questioning why such fuel continues to enter Nigeria despite quality control assurances.
The group also voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote refinery, which was expected to ease Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports. They criticized the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishment, which have yet to resolve fuel shortages and stabilize prices. They called on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the oil sector’s leadership, enforce accountability, and prioritize the needs of citizens.
Speaking to journalists, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been 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, which has failed Nigerians.”
Otache and Isaac echoed these sentiments, stating, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing prices, and unprecedented disruptions in Nigerians’ daily lives. We demand transparency and accountability from all involved parties and call for an end to substandard fuel imports.”
NNPCL was quick to respond to the allegations. Spokesperson Femi Soneye defended Kyari’s record, arguing that the protesters “lack understanding of the sector.” Soneye stated that the GCEO had ensured fuel availability at N620 per liter for over a year, despite landing costs above N1,100 per liter.
In a message to journalists, Soneye said, “NNPC Ltd does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC. We are committed to President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for energy security and will not be distracted by inconsequential groups motivated by selfish interests.”
As tensions continue, the protesters vowed to maintain pressure on the government and NNPCL leadership until their demands for reform and transparency are addressed.
