NNPCL Reacts As Protesters Demand Kyari’s Resignation Over Petrol Price

Scores of Nigerian youths took to the streets on Monday, converging at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to demand the immediate resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Led by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the protesters cited increasing fuel prices, prolonged fuel queues, and the economic hardship facing Nigerians as evidence of what they described as Kyari’s “incompetent leadership.”

Protesters carried placards with messages like “We demand the immediate resignation of Kyari,” accused the NNPCL of mismanaging the oil sector, intensifying the economic strain on citizens.

The protest was spearheaded by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, along with Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria.

In response, NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye defended Kyari’s tenure, arguing that the protesters lacked a full understanding of the complexities within the oil sector.

He emphasized that Kyari’s leadership had kept fuel accessible at ₦620 per litre over the past year, despite a much higher landing cost of over ₦1,100 per litre, positioning Kyari as a stabilizing force amid the fluctuating global oil market.

Soneye, in a chat with Punch, said, “Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at ₦620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above ₦1,100.”

He also urged the group to provide pieces of evidence supporting their claim that the national oil firm currently imports adulterated fuel.

“NNPC Ltd does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC.

“I won’t waste time engaging with individuals motivated by selfish interests. We have more pressing projects to accomplish to ensure energy security for our nation, rather than focusing on inconsequential groups. We are committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for the sector, and no group will deter or distract us from achieving this goal,” Soneye added.