Demonstrators flood N’Assembly, call for probe of NNPCL

The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations has demanded that the proposal to revive the nation’s petroleum refineries be investigated immediately for possible sabotage, calling for the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to be removed from office immediately.

According to report, the organization held a protest rally on Friday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

They disclosed that the NNPCL’s plans to reposition the oil industry are only motivated by profit and that they “obstruct local initiatives designed to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.”

The organization claimed that NNPCL’s CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari handling the oil business has harmed local refineries more than it has helped them.

The group’s national spokesperson, Mr. Segun Adebayo, told reporters at the occasion that President Bola Tinubu should warn the NNPCL leadership against implementing policies that would cause Nigeria to experience more economic disasters.

He said, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit 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, and this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.

“We must hold accountable those who prioritise 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.

“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, prioritising imported PMS and discouraging local refining.

“This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.

“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 authorise an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.”

The group’s national coordinator, Mr. Benjamin James, also spoke and urged the government to permit the sale of crude to nearby refineries in naira.

He said, “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 prioritising 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.

The group also called for the sack of the NNPCL’s boss, threatening to take the protest to the 36 states of the federation if their demand was not met.

In addition, the group demanded that the head of the NNPCL be fired.

They reportedly threatened to take the complaint to all 36 states in the federation if their demand was not fulfilled.

“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, 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,” he concluded.

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