Protesters gathered at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters, demanding the immediate resignation of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer.
They condemned the alleged importation of contaminated fuel, describing it as a harmful and corrupt practice that impacts citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.
An NNPCL spokesperson responded, claiming the protesters lacked a full understanding of the industry. He clarified that, despite challenges, Kyari had ensured fuel was available to Nigerians at N620 per liter.
The demonstration was led by Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria, along with Abdullahi Bilal from the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, all demanding urgent reform in the oil sector.
Central to the protest were complaints that prolonged fuel shortages and rising petrol costs had worsened inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The protesters also expressed frustration with the high expenditures on refinery development and infrastructure, citing unmet promises, particularly at the Dangote refinery, which they said had failed to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis.
Addressing journalists, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March represents the united voice of all Nigerians who feel betrayed by a system enriching a few at the expense of the many. Today, we demand the immediate resignation of those currently managing the oil sector, as their leadership has failed Nigerians.”
Responding, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye reiterated that the demonstrators did not fully understand the complexities of the sector. He explained that Kyari had made fuel available to Nigerians at N620 per liter for over a year, despite a landing cost above N1,100.
Soneye further challenged the group to provide evidence of any tainted fuel imports by NNPCL. He said, “NNPCL does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has proof to the contrary, they should present samples of such fuel imported by us.”
