Fuel Scarcity Crisis: CSOs Demand Immediate Resignation of NNPC Boss Mele Kyari

Dramatic show of discontent, a coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called for the immediate resignation of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), citing his failure to address the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis in Nigeria.

At a rally held at the Abuja Unity Fountain yesterday, Comrade Aminu Abbas, the convener of the group, sharply criticized Kyari for his handling of the fuel shortage and the general mismanagement of the oil sector. Protesters carried placards with messages such as: “Tired of Stories About Our Refineries,” “Kyari Drifting with the Wind,” “Probe Kyari for Under-Remittance of Oil Proceeds,” and “We Demand Accountability at NNPCL.”

The coalition’s discontent stems from the dilapidated state of the country’s refineries and alleged importation of adulterated petroleum products. They assert that under Kyari’s leadership, the situation has deteriorated further, with no tangible solutions in sight. “Why do Nigerians have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and daily uncertainty about fueling their vehicles or powering their homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement associated with Kyari’s tenure,” the coalition said in a statement.

The protesters questioned the lack of progress and solutions from Kyari’s administration, emphasizing that the refineries, which should be the backbone of the country’s fuel supply, remain inoperative. “Kyari has failed to address these critical issues, maintaining a status quo that benefits only a few while the general populace continues to suffer,” they claimed.

The CSOs have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly, demanding that Kyari be removed from his position to restore integrity and functionality to the NNPCL. They stressed, “To President Tinubu and all those in power: the time to act is now. Show us that the Renewed Hope Agenda is more than just rhetoric. Demonstrate that you stand with the people, not with those who profit from our hardship.”

The coalition insists that Kyari’s leadership is incompatible with the President’s vision for a better Nigeria. They argue that his continued presence at NNPCL undermines the President’s promise of reform and progress. “Kyari’s actions—or lack thereof—directly contradict the President’s agenda of hope and renewal,” they concluded. “It is clear that Mr. Kyari cannot embody this new hope and must be removed to allow for genuine reform in Nigeria’s oil sector.”

The rally underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over the persistent fuel crisis and highlights the urgent need for accountability and effective leadership within the NNPCL.