News
Nigerian Professionals Abroad Rally for Mele Kyari, Plan UK Honor Event
Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) held a world press conference in London today, condemning what they described as “baseless attacks” and unwarranted restrictions on the personal accounts of the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari
The group warned that such actions risk deterring Nigerian professionals abroad from returning to serve their homeland.
Addressing journalists, NPID President Dr. Olawale Oguntonade expressed dismay at the treatment of Kyari, a reformer lauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transforming Nigeria’s oil sector.
“This type of vindictive attack is not good for Nigeria,” Oguntonade declared.
“It sends a wrong signal to hardworking professionals who may consider returning to serve their fatherland. If a man like Mele Kyari, who gave his all to reposition NNPCL, can be harassed, what encouragement remains for diaspora Nigerians?”
The NPID highlighted President Tinubu’s public commendations of Kyari’s achievements. In August 2023, Tinubu hailed Kyari as a reformer who repositioned the oil industry to attract global investors during the signing of a $7 billion gas deal.
In October 2023, the president praised Kyari’s dedication, noting that under his leadership, NNPCL recorded profits for the first time in 44 years, transitioning from a loss-making entity to a profit-making giant.
The NPID outlined Kyari’s transformative contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, including: Financial Turnaround: Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL declared profits of ₦287 billion in 2020, ₦674 billion in 2021, and a record-breaking ₦3.3 trillion in 2023.
“Transparency Drive: Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) Initiative, publishing audited financial statements for the first time in NNPCL’s history.
“Major Projects: He spearheaded initiatives like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Kolmani Integrated Oil & Gas Development Project, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.
“Investor Confidence: Kyari resolved disputes with international oil companies, paving the way for investments like the $10 billion Bonga South-East deepwater project.
“Fuel Supply Stability: Through “Operation White,” he curbed fuel smuggling and ensured a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“These are concrete results that no amount of propaganda can erase,” Oguntonade stated.
The NPID urged President Tinubu, whom they praised for delivering democratic dividends and steering Nigeria away from economic collapse, to intervene and protect Kyari from “disgruntled elements.”
The group alleged that these attacks stem from individuals who lost access to corrupt practices in NNPCL due to Kyari’s reforms.
“Mr. President, history will not forgive us if we allow enemies of progress to destroy reformers,” Oguntonade said, calling for Kyari to receive a national honor rather than persecution.
While commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its anti-corruption efforts, the NPID criticized its actions against Kyari as misguided.
“Public service is not a crime,” Oguntonade emphasized.
“Targeting reformers like Kyari discourages Nigerians in the diaspora from returning to serve and risks demoralizing dedicated patriots at home.”
The NPID demanded the immediate lifting of any restrictions on Kyari and called for an investigation into the sponsors of the attacks, whom they described as beneficiaries of a dismantled corrupt oil cartel. In a bold move, the group announced plans to honor Kyari in the United Kingdom in November 2025, with President Tinubu and the UK Prime Minister as special guests. The event will celebrate Kyari’s reforms, integrity, and service to Nigeria.
The NPID warned that allowing such attacks to persist could deter thousands of Nigerian professionals abroad from contributing to national development. “Today, it is Mele Kyari; tomorrow, it could be another patriot,” Oguntonade said. “Nigeria must protect her reformers, not persecute them.”
The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Kyari, declaring, “His legacy cannot be destroyed by those who failed to hold Nigeria captive under their corrupt grip.”
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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