By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOCSO) held a press conference November 8, 2024, in Abuja, to address pressing concerns about the nation’s economic future and sovereignty.
The coalition condemned the actions of a group within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Mele Kyari, for prioritizing imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) over local refining.
“We stand united under NICOCSO to protest actions that threaten our nation’s economic future and sovereignty,” said Segun Adebayo, National Spokesperson.
“This approach burdens the economy, drains foreign reserves, weakens the Naira, and hinders local initiatives for energy self-sufficiency and job creation,” Adebayo emphasized.
NICOCSO criticized the sabotage of local refining ventures, particularly the Dangote Refinery, which aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
“Instead of supporting local refining, the NNPCL cabal prioritizes imported PMS, deterring investors and limiting job creation,” Benjamin James, National Coordinator, added.
The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, authorizing an investigation into the cabal’s activities and enacting reforms to bolster local refining.
“We urge President Tinubu to heed the voice of the people, probe the NNPCL cabal, and secure our economic sovereignty by selling crude oil to local refineries in Naira,” Adebayo urged.
NICOCSO demanded the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, citing his leadership’s harmful policies and obstruction of local refinery initiatives.
“Mele Kyari’s leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy,” James stated.
The coalition appealed to the National Assembly to support their demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL.
“We pledge to continue advocacy across the 36 states until our demands are addressed,” Adebayo assured.
NICOCSO urged Nigerians to join the call for accountability, seeking support from the press, civil society organizations, and the public.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria that empowers local industries, ensures fair fuel pricing, and promotes economic sovereignty for the prosperity of future generations,” James concluded.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, has recently appeared before the Senate Committee on Appropriations at the National Assembly.
