Urgent Call for Action: Group Demands Suspension and Investigation of NNPCL Boss Over $6B Debt

Arewa Democratic Front (ADF) is calling for immediate action against Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), amid a mounting $6 billion debt crisis. The group, led by National Coordinator Mustafa Yusuf and National Secretary Muazu Haruna, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend and investigate Kyari for alleged mismanagement and corruption within the petroleum sector.

In a statement released on September 2, 2024, the ADF highlighted the severe fuel crisis that has plagued Nigeria, characterized by long queues and skyrocketing petrol prices. Under Kyari’s leadership, the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has surged to over N1,000 per liter in some regions, exacerbating the economic strain on Nigerian citizens already grappling with hardship.

The ADF’s statement criticized the NNPCL’s handling of the sector, citing the revelation of a staggering N6 trillion debt accumulated from “secret” subsidy payments despite the official cancellation of fuel subsidies over a year ago. This debt, allegedly accumulated under questionable circumstances, has raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL’s operations.

Further compounding the issue, the ADF condemned what it perceives as unfair subsidy practices, racketeering, and the manipulation of private operators. The recent acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by NNPCL and the indiscriminate issuance of licenses have been flagged as evidence of entrenched corruption within the corporation. These actions, according to the ADF, undermine both the Tinubu administration’s credibility and the public’s trust in the petroleum sector.

The group also criticized Kyari’s failure to revive Nigeria’s ailing refineries, despite the support provided by the current administration. Kyari’s proposal to privatize refinery management has been labeled a scheme to defraud the nation further, rather than a genuine solution to the crisis.

Additionally, the ADF expressed outrage at Kyari’s refusal to comply with the House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee’s summons, calling it a blatant disregard for democratic processes and the rule of law. This defiance, the group argues, underscores Kyari’s unsuitability for his role and calls for his immediate suspension.

The ADF’s statement concludes with a call for President Tinubu to act decisively by suspending Kyari and launching a thorough investigation into the NNPCL’s operations. The group demands accountability and, if necessary, prosecution to address the pervasive corruption and mismanagement.

As Nigeria continues to struggle with a crippling fuel crisis, the ADF stands firm in its advocacy for justice, transparency, and the rule of law. The organization urges all Nigerians, civil society groups, and international partners to support this call for reform to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the nation.

Let the call for justice be heard and acted upon. The future of Nigeria’s petroleum sector—and indeed, the nation’s economic stability—depends on swift and decisive action.