A coalition under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption, COCSOAC, Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora, NPID, and Bloggers respectively, came together, Wednesday, to vehemently condemn a section of the country calling on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari.
The coalition made their stand known during a press conference held in Abuja, where the leaders including Kenneth Emea of Bloggers; Oluwatoyin Animashaun of NPID; and Mohammed Abdullahi of COCSOAC described the accusations leveled against Kyari as unsubstantiated and basically to derail the critical progress he has made in the oil and gas sector.
In an address read during the press conference, the coalition highlighted the landmark achievements by Kyari in the sector.
They said: “We are gathered here today to address the recent attacks and baseless calls for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). These unsubstantiated accusations are nothing more than attempts to derail the critical progress that has been achieved under his leadership. We are here to stand in firm support of Mele Kyari and urge the President not to yield to these unfounded demands for his sack.
“Since his appointment as GCEO of NNPCL, Mele 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. Kyari has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to cleaning up the sector, implementing key reforms that have restored investor confidence and positioned Nigeria on the path to energy self-sufficiency.
“One of the landmark achievements under Mele Kyari’s leadership has been 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 for 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 reform—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 has 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. Kyari’s efforts are restoring accountability in the oil sector and demonstrating what can be achieved with principled leadership and a commitment to national interests.”
However, the coalition expressed pain and disappointment from some Nigerians who have failed to acknowledge rather intentionally are using a section of the media to disparage and condemn the NNPCL boss.
“We recognize 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.
Therefore, they called on President Tinubu not to heed to the calls to sack Kyari, “We call upon 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 the best interests of the nation, as Kyari has consistently demonstrated.
“In conclusion, we urge all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to support Mele 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 Kyari’s leadership have brought us hope and a renewed sense of purpose, and we must not allow vested interests to undermine these achievements.”