A coalition of civil society organizations staged a protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday, demanding the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The protesters accused Kyari and the NNPCL of sabotaging local refinery projects, perpetuating Nigeria’s reliance on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and undermining efforts to achieve energy independence.

Kennedy Tabuko, a spokesperson for the coalition, criticized NNPCL’s management for prioritizing profits over national interests, claiming that the company’s actions were preventing the development of local refineries. “We’re here today because of the troubling state of the oil sector,” Tabuko said. “The government continues to prioritize fuel imports despite having domestic refineries, which only puts more strain on our foreign reserves.”

The protesters called for an immediate investigation into NNPCL’s operations, particularly accusing the company of obstructing the development of modular refineries and failing to support domestic refining projects. They argued that these actions were part of a deliberate effort to stifle Nigeria’s economic growth and energy autonomy.

ALSO READ: NNPCL Allocates 48.6 Million Barrels of Crude Oil to Dangote Refinery

Segun Adebayo, the coalition’s national spokesperson, highlighted the economic impact of the country’s reliance on imported fuel. “The dependence on imported fuel is draining our foreign reserves and adding unnecessary pressure on the economy. Local refineries, such as the Dangote Refinery, have the potential to ensure energy independence and stimulate economic growth. However, vested interests within NNPCL are blocking this progress,” Adebayo said.

The coalition urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and address the situation before it exacerbates Nigeria’s economic challenges. They also called for an investigation into potential corruption within NNPCL, particularly regarding PMS import policies.

The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations nationwide, demanding Kyari’s removal and the promotion of policies that would encourage energy independence, job creation, and economic self-sufficiency. “We appeal to President Tinubu, a leader who listens, to act now,” Adebayo concluded. “It is time to end monopolistic control over our resources and fuel market and build a Nigeria that empowers local industries and promotes economic sovereignty.”