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Oil Sector: Sack Kyari Now, NICOCSO Urges Tinubu

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOCSO) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove Mele Kyari, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), probe the cabal sabotaging local refineries, and stop importation of Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS).

NICOCSO which had been warning the federal government of the grave consequences of poor management of the downstream sector raised the alarm again in a press conference jointly addressed by its National Spokesperson and National Co-Coordinator, Segun Adebayo and Benjamin James on Friday in Abuja.

The Coalition wants President Tinubu to intervene immediately starting with sack of Mele Kyari, insisting that his leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy. Adding that the advocacy for the NNPCL chief sack will be sustained until the president acts on their demand.

The statement reads: “We are here to raise urgent concerns about the group within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Mele Kyari, whose policies jeopardize our economic stability by prioritizing imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) over local refining. This group’s profit-driven approach burdens our economy, drains our foreign reserves, weakens the Naira, and obstructs local initiatives to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.

“The High Cost of Fuel Importation and Its Devastating Economic ImpactDespite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose PMS importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain.

Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, all while this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.

“We must hold accountable those who prioritize personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.

“It is no secret that Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritizing imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.

“We call upon His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take decisive action to address this troubling issue. We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria hence we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorize an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.

“For Nigeria to realize its ambition of a self-sustaining economy, this group’s exploitative grip on the fuel sector must end. Only through a transparent probe and strict accountability can we remove these obstacles to local refinery success and national economic stability. We implore the President to enact reforms that will bolster the local refining industry and free Nigeria from dependence on imported fuel.

“One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in Naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the Naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in Naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritizing its local industries and economic sovereignty.

“Such a policy will empower local investors, encourage growth in the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce fuel prices domestically. It will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and make us more resilient to external economic pressures. The time has come for Nigeria to take ownership of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits the Nigerian people rather than a select few.

“We are here today at the National Assembly to demand that our representatives stand with the Nigerian people. We call for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy.

“If the government does not act, the NIGERIAN COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (NICOCSO) here today pledge to continue this advocacy, rallying every day across the 36 States to make our voices heard. We will not stand down until this administration addresses our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people depend on decisive action against those who hinder our path toward energy independence.

“We once again plead with President Tinubu who is a listening leader and a President who has genuinely renewed our hope to sack Mele Kyari Now!!! We urge Nigerians across all sectors to join this call for accountability. We appeal to the press, fellow civil society organizations, and all Nigerians to support this movement to curb the monopolistic control over our resources and fuel market. Together, we can build a Nigeria that empowers local industries, ensures fair fuel pricing, and promotes economic sovereignty for the prosperity of future generations.

“Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. We can allow a few individuals to exploit our economy for personal gain, or we can chart a new course toward a resilient and prosperous future. We urge President Tinubu to heed the voice of the people, sanction a probe into the cabal within the NNPCL, and take action to secure our economic sovereignty by selling crude oil to local refineries in Naira.

“Mr. President, the time to act is now. We stand here today for a Nigeria that is prosperous, self-reliant, and free from the shackles of dependency on imported fuel. We believe in the strength of this administration to make bold choices that will benefit all Nigerians.”

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

15 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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