Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Abuja, calling for immediate action against the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari.
Organized by the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, the group criticized NNPC’s policies, arguing they stifle local refinery development and worsen Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel.
The coalition claimed the current approach hampers efforts to boost local oil refining, forcing Nigeria to rely on costly fuel imports and exposing the economy to fluctuating global oil prices.
They urged President Tinubu to investigate NNPC’s leadership, which they argued prioritizes profit over national welfare.
The protesters advocated for a shift in policy, including selling crude oil to local refineries in naira to support domestic production, reduce foreign exchange loss, and create jobs.
They also warned they would expand their protests nationwide if their demands for reform and accountability are not met.
“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,” the group said.
