Protesters Demand Dismissal of Kyari Over Fuel Scarcity Crisis

Scores of demonstrators gathered in Abuja on Monday, calling for the immediate dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), in response to the persistent fuel scarcity that continues to affect the nation.

The protests come amid revelations from the NNPCL acknowledging that its substantial debt to fuel suppliers is threatening the stability of fuel supplies across the country. The corporation highlighted that its financial struggles are significantly hampering operations and could further destabilize the already precarious fuel supply chain.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, speaking recently on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, expressed concerns over the escalating cost of living, the arbitrary increase in petrol prices, and the ensuing scarcity. Falana stressed the urgency of exposing what he termed the “monumental fraud” within Nigeria’s fuel importation system.

During the protest, demonstrators sang solidarity songs and carried banners with slogans such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and excuses for non-functional refineries,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in NNPCL’s operations.”

The protesters criticized what they perceive as poor performance under Kyari’s leadership and called for increased transparency and accountability.

Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, spoke to the media at Unity Fountain following the rally. He questioned why an oil-rich nation like Nigeria continues to suffer severe fuel shortages and called for urgent measures to resolve the ongoing crisis and ensure that the country’s refineries operate efficiently.

“To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in authority, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not with those profiting from our suffering. Mr. Kyari must be removed, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve all Nigerians. We will not remain silent,” Abbas declared.

He continued, “The fuel scarcity we are experiencing today is not just an inconvenience; it is a deliberate continuation of suffering. Under Mr. Kyari’s leadership, the situation has deteriorated with no resolution in sight. What steps has he taken to address this crisis? It appears he is intent on preserving a status quo that benefits only a privileged few, while the majority suffer.

“Why must the people endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether they can refuel their vehicles or power their homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have characterized Mr. Kyari’s leadership.”