President Bola Tinubu is facing mounting pressure from civil society groups and industry stakeholders to retain Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
Concerns have been raised that any leadership change at the NNPC could disrupt ongoing reforms and negatively impact Nigeria’s oil sector.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Abuja Press Centre on Monday, February 10, Comrade Friday Maduka, Chairman of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, warned against any move to remove Kyari.
Maduka described Kyari’s leadership as a transformative force in the oil industry, citing various achievements under his tenure.
“Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC has been a beacon of hope and transformation in the oil sector.
“His vision, expertise, and dedication have yielded unprecedented results, including the renewed functioning of refineries, stabilization of oil prices, and a greater focus on sustainable economic integration and development,” Maduka stated.
He further emphasized that Kyari’s leadership had played a pivotal role in the transition of NNPC into a limited liability corporation, significantly enhancing transparency and accountability in the sector.
Allegations of envy and destabilization efforts
Maduka expressed concerns over what he termed attempts to be driven by envy and political manoeuvring to undermine Kyari’s leadership.
“In light of these achievements, it is puzzling that certain factors, driven by envy and jealousy, are seeking to undermine Mele Kyari’s leadership and the progress that has been made at NNPC.
“These underhand moves, campaigns, and shibboleths are not only a threat to the stability of the oil sector but also to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” he said.
Calls for Kyari to complete his tenure
Emphasizing the importance of continuity, Maduka called on the government to allow Kyari to complete his tenure, which began in 2023 and is legally set to run until 2026.
“We strongly believe that he should be allowed to consummate his outstanding work, thereby enabling the NNPC to attain its full potential and reach unprecedented heights,” he added.
Maduka also referenced the legal framework supporting Kyari’s tenure extension, citing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allows for possible extensions beyond 2026.
“It is expected that it should terminate in 2027 in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which states that ‘The Composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited shall be determined in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association’,” he explained.
Praise for Fuel Price Reduction and Energy Reforms
Highlighting Kyari’s role in reducing fuel prices and promoting alternative energy solutions, Maduka urged all Nigerians and civil society organizations to support his continued leadership.
“Mele Kyari’s tenure has adroitly modulated the transition from the hitherto unbearable PMS price regime to the incremental progressive lowering of the petrol pump price by importuning all stakeholders to the imperative for lower pump fuel prices for all Nigerians,” he concluded.