A civil society organization, Civil Society Network on Economic and Social Advancement (CSNOESA), has launched a nationwide campaign to collect one million signatures demanding the immediate removal of Dr. Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
CSNOESA accused Kyari of mismanaging the NNPC, causing fuel scarcity, and disregarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives. They also alleged corruption, fraud, and embezzlement under Kyari’s leadership.
Abubakar Yale, National Spokesperson for the group who addressed journalists in Abuja disclosed the group’s plans to occupy the NNPCL headquarters on August 22, 2024, until President Tinubu removes Kyari.
CSNOESA spokesperson urged Nigerians to join the peaceful protest, stressing that the nation’s future and well-being are at stake.
“We can no longer tolerate mismanagement and corruption at the NNPC,” said Abubakar Yale, National Spokesperson for CSNOESA. “We demand transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the management of our national asset.”
He said campaign aims to present the one million signatures to President Tinubu, demonstrating the people’s resolve to end the alleged reign of mismanagement and corruption at the NNPC.
He said, “For too long, we have remained silent, hoping that the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited would heed the call for transparency, accountability, and good governance. Sadly, our hopes have been dashed, as we are now faced with a litany of allegations that paint a disturbing picture of mismanagement, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the directives of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The allegations against the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited, Engr. Mele Kyari, are not mere hearsay; they are substantiated by credible evidence that demands immediate attention and action.
“Firstly, we are deeply concerned by the incessant fuel scarcity the country has witnessed due to the failure of Mele Kyari to address the issue of fuel scarcity. Fuel sells for as much as N1,500 in some parts of Nigeria including Abuja.
“It is disheartening, unimaginable and wicked that Kyari has intentionally refused that the 4 refineries should work. On his first day in office over 4 years ago, he promised that before the expiration of the President Buhari’s regime, the 4 refineries will work, over 4 years down the line, not even one has worked. Kyari is a colossal failure.
“Again, It is general knowledge that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians but Kyari’s disregard for President Tinubu’s directive to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira is trying to paint President Tinubu in bad light. This disregard for the President’s order undermines our nation’s efforts to support local refining capacity and reduce our reliance on imported petroleum products. Furthermore, the revelation that NNPC Limited staff members and oil traders are operating a blending plant in Malta raises serious questions about the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Secondly, we are appalled by the mounting allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and corruption within the NNPC Limited under the leadership of Engr. Mele Kyari. The reports of fuel subsidy scams, under-remittance of oil sales revenue, corruption, shady pipeline surveillance contracts, and oil theft are simply unacceptable. These acts of financial impropriety have had a devastating impact on the majority of Nigerians, while benefiting only a few greedy individuals.
“One of the most alarming allegations is the deduction of N2.1 trillion from the monthly revenue of NNPC, which was not remitted to the Federation Account. This is a blatant violation of the public trust and a clear indication of the mismanagement of our nation’s resources.
“Additionally, the supply of adulterated or bad fuel that entered the country from 2022 to 2024, causing damage to many vehicle engines and generators, is a grave concern. These allegations of massive corruption and fraudulent diversion of billions of dollars to personal and cronies’ accounts must be thoroughly investigated, and Engr. Mele Kyari should be prosecuted if found guilty.”
He also explained that there are concerns about the lack of due process and transparency in Engr. Mele Kyari’s appointment as the GCEO of NNPC Limited, noting that appointments did not follow the due process as enshrined in the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
He said, “Considering that NNPC Limited recently transitioned to a private company in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA Act, 2021), it is no longer allowed to have recourse to state funds. However, NNPC Limited has failed to operate as a Joint Production Venture (JPV) with Western Oil Majors (WOM), as required by law.
“Furthermore, the NNPC Limited has not been transparent in publishing its crude contracts and statements of accounts under Engr. Mele Kyari’s leadership. In 2022, Kyari and the NNPC management failed to remit any funds to the Federation Account for seven consecutive months. Despite Nigeria recording N16 trillion in oil sales during that year, the NNPC did not make any remittances. This lack of financial responsibility is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the management of the company’s revenues.”
