President Bola Tinubu has been urged to disregard those calling for the sack of Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The call was made by Mohammed Abdullahi of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC); Oluwatoyin Animashaun of Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora and Kenneth Emea of Bloggers and Content Creators Association of Nigeria at a joint news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
Animashaun, who read the text of the press conference said corrupt thieves who have allegedly benefitted from the rot in the oil sector were behind recent calls to sack Kyari.
He said since Kyari’s appointment, there had been a profound shift toward transparency, professionalism, and operational efficiency.
“His stewardship has saved billions of naira, ensuring that NNPCL can finally act as a reliable and accountable player in the global oil industry while driving national economic growth. Kyari has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to cleaning up the sector, implementing key reforms that have restored investor confidence and positioned Nigeria on the path to energy self-sufficiency,” Animashaun said.
Animashaun therefore urged Nigerians to back ongoing reforms in the oil sector as being championed by Kyari.
He said: “Since his appointment as GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari has been a transformative force in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, a sector that has long suffered from inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of accountability. Under his watch, there has been a profound shift toward transparency, professionalism, and operational efficiency. His stewardship has saved billions of naira, ensuring that NNPCL can finally act as a reliable and accountable player in the global oil industry while driving national economic growth. Kyari has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to cleaning up the sector, implementing key reforms that have restored investor confidence and positioned Nigeria on the path to energy self-sufficiency.
“One of the landmark achievements under Mele Kyari’s leadership has been the successful transition of NNPC into a limited liability company (NNPCL), operating with greater transparency and subject to industry best practices. This restructuring was crucial for creating a financially viable, market-driven entity that can compete with global oil giants. This historic shift is the result of visionary leadership and dedication to reform—a testament to Kyari’s resolve in transforming NNPCL from a government entity into a commercially viable and profit-driven corporation.
“Moreover, Kyari has been instrumental in reducing the long-standing problem of oil theft, which had cost Nigeria billions of dollars annually. Through strategic partnerships with security agencies, he has championed efforts to curb this menace, enhancing the nation’s revenue base and enabling a fair share of resources for development. Kyari’s efforts are restoring accountability in the oil sector and demonstrating what can be achieved with principled leadership and a commitment to national interests.
“We recognise that reform is often met with resistance, especially from those who have benefited from the previous status quo. The recent calls for Kyari’s sack appear to be orchestrated by these interests, who are threatened by the transparency and accountability he has brought to the oil sector. But we stand here today to affirm that Nigeria cannot afford to reverse the gains that have been achieved. We call upon the President to remain steadfast and not succumb to these baseless demands. Nigeria needs leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and work in the best interests of the nation, as Kyari has consistently demonstrated.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to support Mele Kyari and the reforms he has championed. Let us reject the divisive tactics of those who seek personal gain at the expense of national progress. The oil sector reforms under Kyari’s leadership have brought us hope and a renewed sense of purpose, and we must not allow vested interests to undermine these achievements.”
