Fuel Scarcity and High Cost: Nigerians Call for Mele Kyari’s Resignation

Nigerians and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have expressed dissatisfaction with Mele Kyari’s continued leadership as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). The outcry comes amid the country’s persistent fuel scarcity and skyrocketing costs.

Felix Osakwe, Presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the 2023 general election, condemned the government’s handling of the oil and gas sector. “Not only Engr. Mele Kyari is the problem of Nigeria’s oil sector, the President who is acting as the Minister of Petroleum is also part of the problem,” Osakwe stated. He emphasized that Kyari’s actions are approved by President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as Minister of Petroleum.

Osakwe criticized the NNPCL’s attempt to discredit Dangote Refinery, questioning why the official who made the comment was not reprimanded. Barrister Odemwige Osaro, an oil and gas consultant, shared similar sentiments, stating that Kyari’s continued stay in office is “against the consciences of suffering Nigerians.”

Lawmakers from The Economy Rescue Group have called for Kyari’s resignation, citing mismanagement and economic sabotage. Rep. Esosa Iyawe recommended Kyari’s suspension for thorough investigation into the NNPCL and oil and gas subsectors.

However, Rev. Olusegun Peters, National Chairman of Democratic Peoples Congress, absolved Kyari of blame, advocating for full deregulation of the oil and gas sector to promote healthy competition.

The fuel scarcity has led to increased transportation costs, affecting Nigerians’ livelihoods. ActionAid Nigeria has urged the government to find permanent solutions to the crisis . As the debate surrounding Kyari’s leadership continues, Nigerians eagerly await resolution to the country’s fuel woes.