The Arewa Democratic Front (ADF) has called for the suspension of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), amid a worsening fuel crisis and a reported $6 billion debt.
The group’s demand comes as Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardships due to high fuel prices and a persistent scarcity of petrol.
In a statement released on Monday, the ADF, led by National Coordinator Engr. Mustafa Yusuf and National Secretary Malam Muazu Haruna, expressed deep concern over the ongoing mismanagement of the petroleum sector under Kyari’s leadership.
The group highlighted the severe impact of the fuel crisis on ordinary Nigerians, who are now paying over ₦1,000 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in some areas.
“It is both alarming and deeply disheartening that under the watch of Mele Kyari, Nigerians are being forced to purchase PMS at exorbitant prices exceeding ₦1,000 per litre,” the statement read.
“This situation, which has pushed many citizens to the brink of despair, is a direct consequence of the gross inefficiency that has come to characterize the NNPCL.”
The ADF’s call for Kyari’s suspension follows the confirmation of a staggering $6 billion debt owed by NNPCL to fuel suppliers.
Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Communications Officer of NNPCL, recently confirmed the debt, which has been a major contributor to the ongoing fuel crisis.
The group criticised NNPCL for failing to manage the sector effectively, which has led to long queues at petrol stations across the country. This situation serves as a daily reminder of the company’s inability to provide a reliable supply of fuel.
“The most damning evidence of this failure is the revelation of a staggering $6 billion debt due to ‘secret’ subsidy payments, despite the supposed cancellation of fuel subsidies over a year ago,” ADF’s statement continued.
“This debt, accumulated under the guise of subsidy payments, raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership.”
The ADF also criticized the alleged corruption within NNPCL, including unfair subsidy practices, racketeering, and questionable dealings such as the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by NNPCL. The group accused Kyari of fostering a culture of corruption and operating with impunity.
“The recent shady acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by NNPCL, coupled with the indiscriminate issuance of licenses to private operators, points to a deeply entrenched culture of corruption,” the statement read. “These practices not only betray the trust of the Nigerian people but also pose a serious threat to the integrity of the Tinubu administration’s agenda.”
The group further condemned Kyari’s failure to revive Nigeria’s refineries despite receiving support from the Tinubu administration. They criticized the proposal to hand over refinery management to private firms, calling it a scheme to defraud the nation under the guise of privatization.
In light of these issues, the ADF is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by suspending Mele Kyari. “The continued presence of Mele Kyari at the helm of NNPCL is a clear and present danger to the nation’s economic stability,” the statement asserted. “It is clear that he has run out of ideas and lost the moral authority to lead.”
The group advocates for a complete overhaul of NNPCL’s leadership, demanding a new team that is free from corruption and committed to transparency and accountability. “The time has come for a new leadership to steer the company—and by extension, the nation—towards a brighter future,” the ADF said.
