Nigerian Civil Society Organisations demand an investigation into alleged sabotage by NNPCL, urging support for local refining and energy self-sufficiency.
A coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) staged a protest on Friday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, calling for urgent investigations into alleged sabotage within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The group, known as the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, urged the immediate dismissal of the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, accusing his leadership of prioritising profit-driven policies over Nigeria’s push for energy independence and economic stability.
The national spokesperson of the coalition, Segun Adebayo, voiced the group’s concerns regarding policies that continue to hinder local refining efforts.
He stated, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL impose import dependency on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), costing billions in foreign exchange and creating economic strain.”
According to Adebayo, this dependence on imported fuel has left Nigeria vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, perpetuating a system that benefits a few while burdening the nation’s economy and citizens.
The coalition’s protest highlights the role of Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, who have invested significantly in local refineries.
“The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth,” Adebayo emphasised.
He accused NNPCL’s leadership of “calculated sabotage” in discouraging local refinery initiatives, citing an ongoing prioritisation of imported PMS over supporting the growth of domestic refineries.
The group further implored President Bola Tinubu to authorise an immediate investigation into NNPCL’s internal operations to uncover any activities that may be hindering Nigeria’s progress toward self-sufficiency.
“We know President Tinubu wants the best for Nigeria; therefore, we urge him to investigate the cabal’s activities within the fuel sector,” said Adebayo, calling for transparency and accountability.
Adding to the demands, Benjamin James, the coalition’s national coordinator, proposed a shift in crude oil sales policies, advocating for transactions to be conducted in naira rather than dollars.
James argued that this change could significantly reduce foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and strengthen the naira.
“Selling crude domestically in naira would empower local investors, create jobs, and help reduce fuel prices, demonstrating a commitment to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty,” he said.
The coalition’s demands extend to the dismissal of Mele Kyari from his role as Group Chief Executive Officer, accusing him of frustrating local refining initiatives.
They further threatened to escalate protests to the 36 states if their calls for reform are ignored. “We are committed to rallying across the 36 states until this administration meets our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability,” James concluded.
The protest and calls for policy reform underscore the CSOs’ vision for a Nigeria that leverages its natural resources for the benefit of all citizens, advocating for a national shift toward local production, energy independence, and economic resilience.