Protesters on Friday stormed the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding action over alleged corruption in the country’s petroleum sector.
The protesters under the aegis of the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NICOCSO) expressed anger over policies they believe are harming local refinery development and increasing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
The coalition called for an immediate investigation into what they described as “sabotage” against efforts to revitalize the country’s petroleum refineries. They claim these actions have prevented Nigeria from becoming self-sufficient in fuel production, forcing the country to continue importing fuel at great financial cost.
One of the primary demands of NICOCSO is the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The coalition argued that under his leadership, the NNPCL has promoted policies that they say have damaged the potential for local refinery production and encouraged costly importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or fuel, from abroad.
“These policies only focus on profits and do nothing to support local initiatives that could make Nigeria self-sufficient in energy,” said Segun Adebayo, the coalition’s spokesperson, while addressing reporters at the rally.
Adebayo argued that Nigeria has the resources to produce fuel locally, but, according to him, certain powerful interests within the NNPCL have kept the country reliant on imported fuel. This dependency on imports, he said, costs Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange each year, weakening the naira and placing enormous pressure on the economy.
He added that the current system only benefits a “cabal” within the NNPCL, who make large profits from maintaining Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel. “Our people suffer from unstable global oil prices while this cabal profits from the status quo,” Adebayo said. “This situation leaves Nigeria at the mercy of international oil markets, and it cannot continue.”
The protesters listed local entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, who have invested heavily in building refineries to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports. The Dangote Refinery, they said, has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by producing fuel locally. But instead of supporting this effort, NICOCSO claims the NNPCL has worked against local refinery operations, prioritizing fuel imports.
According to the coalition, this alleged “sabotage” by the NNPCL discourages investors, limits job opportunities, and keeps Nigeria dependent on foreign fuel, rather than taking advantage of its own resources.
He said, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain. Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, and this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.
“We must hold accountable those who prioritise personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.
“Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritising imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.”
“We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria; hence, we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorise an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.”
The coalition appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to caution NNPCL’s leadership and investigate alleged corruption within the petroleum sector.