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BAVCCA hails Kyari for repositioning NNPCL, dismisses call for sack

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In a swift reaction on Wednesday, an umbrella body of Bloggers and Vloggers, Contents Creators Association, BAVCCA, commended the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari, over the repositioning of the organisation.
This was in an address read by leaders of the association during a press conference held in Abuja over the calls to sack Kyari by some groups.

The Secretary, BAVCCA, Abimbola Adelabu, who read the address pointed out that it was out of sheer ungrateful attitude and planned blackmail against Kyari who had repositioned the Corporation and made it a leading company in Africa and competing globally with its peers.

Adelabu said the global oil market is a complex and constantly evolving field, influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond the control of any individual or organization.

According to him, fuel hikes and increments are not arbitrary decisions made by the GCEO, but rather a means to recover costs incurred during the importation, refining, and distribution processes.

He said: “The BAVCCA, the umbrella body of all Bloggers, Vloggers and Content Creators in Nigeria, representing a diverse group of influential media practitioners, having taken cognisance of recent events regarding fuel distribution and pricing has called this press briefing to situate the issues objectively.

“We are aware that fuel price increment is a sensitive issue, therefore, requires that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to either price increment or inadequate distribution of PMS.

“Our findings show that these factors are key in determining whatever decision in pricing and distribution:

“Global Market Dynamics: The global oil market is a complex and constantly evolving field, influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond the control of any individual or organization.

“Fluctuations in international crude oil prices, exchange rates, and supply and demand surges are main contributors to fuel price hikes, globally.

“The NNPC, under the leadership of the GMD, operates within these volatile dynamics to ensure that Nigeria remains sufficiently supplied with petroleum products.

“Cost Recovery and Sustainability: The NNPC, as a national entity responsible for the efficient management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, must continually assess its cost-revenue structure to ensure sustainable operations.

“Fuel hikes and increments are not arbitrary decisions made by the GCEO, but rather a means to recover costs incurred during the importation, refining, and distribution processes.

“These measures allow the NNPC to maintain the availability of fuel across the country, thereby preventing shortages and ensuring social stability.

“Infrastructure Development and Deregulation Efforts: The NNPC, under the leadership of the GCEO, has been actively pursuing measures to enhance Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

“Infrastructure development, removal of subsidies, and the promotion of a deregulated market are integral to achieving long-term sustainability and attracting private investments.

“These efforts, though challenging in the short term, are indispensable for fostering a more efficient and economically viable petroleum sector in Nigeria.

“We understand the frustrations of the Nigerian people regarding the fuel price hike; however, we urge everyone to consider the broader context and challenges faced by the NNPC in providing a stable and affordable fuel supply.

“As supporters of transparency, we call on the government and the NNPC to continue engaging with the public and striving to educate them about the intricacies of the fuel pricing system.

“Additionally, we encourage both parties to explore sustainable strategies that can help alleviate the burden of fuel price hikes on the citizens while ensuring the viability of the petroleum sector.

Meanwhile, the association maintained that the NNPCL boss is exonerated in this purported move to remove him from office.

“In conclusion, the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association extends our firm support and exonerates the Mele Kyari-led NNPC from global induced price variations”, he stated.

Also he assured that, “We pledge to continue providing accurate and informative content to our audiences, fostering a robust and informed dialogue on the matter at hand.”

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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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