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Oil Sector: Sack Kyari Now, NICOCSO Urges Tinubu

Published

1 month 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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Boundary Commission Rolls Out 2025 Strategic Plan For Boundaries Resolution For Economic Prosperity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

National Boundary Commission NBC has outlined its strategic priorities for disputed areas in 2025, focusing more on boundary resolution that it believes will bring economic prosperity and promote peaceful coexistence, as well as to drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

The plan includes deployments of drones, advanced geospatial technologies, Expand Public Awareness Campaigns, Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country for the coming year.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Dr the Director of Internal Boundaries Dr Bulus Emmanuel, at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.

He stated that boundaries are instruments of unity, growth, and development to build bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, as well as means of unlocking the full potential of nation and region.

While rolling out vision for the year ahead, Adaji expressed; “As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:

“Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.

“Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.

“Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.

“Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

“Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.

“Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.

“Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.

“Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC (REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database amongst others.

He used the occasion to reflect on NBCs achievements; ” The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas: Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation,

“The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” being introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.

“Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.

“Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.

“Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.

NBC also recorded successes in International Boundaries resolution as the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, Nigeria-Niger International Boundary, Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Community Resettlement Projects were carried out with great success.

Speaking on the Challenges Adaji said, despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles.

He commended the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support as well as the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering.

He assured that, the NBC remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions

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