5th November, 2024
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has defended its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, stating he is not responsible for the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
This clarification follows a protest at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja, where demonstrators demanded Kyari’s resignation over the nationwide surge in petrol prices.
NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, addressed the issue, asserting that the protesters were misinformed about the realities of the fuel supply chain in Nigeria.
“The protesters lack a proper understanding of the sector,” he stated.
“If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not to blame for fuel price hikes. In fact, Kyari ensured that Nigerians accessed fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, despite landing costs exceeding N1,100. NNPC Ltd. does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence of such claims, they should provide samples of any contaminated fuel allegedly imported by NNPC.”
Soneye added that the NNPCL remains focused on executing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic roadmap to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and will not be swayed by groups driven by “selfish interests.”
“I won’t waste time engaging with individuals motivated by selfish interests,” he concluded. “We are focused on achieving the critical goals for our nation’s energy security, undistracted by inconsequential groups.”
It is worth noting that the protest, spearheaded by certain civil society organisations, included demands for Kyari’s removal due to escalating fuel costs across the country.
