By Yahaya Umar, Abuja
Concerned Nigerians under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Against Corruption, COCSOAC, Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora, NPID, and Bloggers, have described the recent calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, as “nothing more than attempts to derail the critical progress that has been achieved under his leadership”.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, COCSOAC represented by Mohammed Abdullahi and NPID’s representative, Oluwatoyin Animashaun, also pointed out that the accusations are “unsubstantiated”.
In this vein, the groups stated that “we are here to stand in firm support of Kyari and urge the president not to yield to these unfounded demands for his sack.
“Since his appointment as GCEO of NNPCL, Kyari has been a transformative force in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, a sector that has long suffered from inefficiencies, corruption and lack of accountability. Under his watch, there has been a profound shift toward transparency, professionalism and operational efficiency. His stewardship has saved billions of naira, ensuring that NNPCL can finally act as a reliable and accountable player in the global oil industry, while driving national economic growth”.
Besides, the groups stated that Kyari has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to clean up the sector, implement key reforms that have restored investor confidence and position Nigeria on the path to energy self-sufficiency.
According to them, one of the landmark achievements under Kyari’s leadership is the successful transition of NNPC into a limited liability company (NNPCL), operating with greater transparency and subject to industry best practices. This restructuring was crucial in creating a financially viable, market-driven entity that can compete with global oil giants. This historic shift is the result of visionary leadership and dedication to reforms, a testament to Kyari’s resolve in transforming NNPCL from a government entity into a commercially viable and profit-driven corporation.
Moreover, Kyari has been instrumental in reducing the long-standing problem of oil theft, which had cost Nigeria billions of dollars annually. Through strategic partnerships with security agencies, he has championed efforts to curb this menace, enhancing the nation’s revenue base and enabling a fair share of resources for development. His efforts are restoring accountability in the oil sector and demonstrating what can be achieved with principled leadership and a commitment to national interest.
“We recognise that reform is often met with resistance, especially from those who have benefited from the previous status quo. The recent calls for Kyari’s sack appear to be orchestrated by these interests who are threatened by the transparency and accountability he has brought to the oil sector. But we stand here today to affirm that Nigeria cannot afford to reverse the gains that have been achieved. We call on the president to remain steadfast and not succumb to these baseless demands. Nigeria needs leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and work in its best interest, as Kyari has consistently demonstrated”, the groups said.
Therefore, “we urge all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to support Kyari and the reforms he has championed. Let us reject the divisive tactics of those who seek personal gain at the expense of national progress. The oil sector reforms under his leadership have brought hope and a renewed sense of purpose, and we must not allow vested interests to undermine these achievements”.
