By Charles Olewezi
In what could be termed a show of solidarity, the Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) today in London condemned what they described as “baseless attacks” and unwarranted restrictions on the personal accounts of Mallam Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian⁶ National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The group warned that such actions could deter Nigerian professionals abroad from returning to serve their homeland.
Addressing journalists, NPID President Dr. Olawale Oguntonade expressed dismay at the treatment of Kyari, a reformer lauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transforming Nigeria’s oil sector. “This type of vindictive attack is not good for Nigeria,”
Oguntonade declared. “It sends a wrong signal to hardworking professionals who may consider returning to serve their fatherland. If a man like Mele Kyari, who gave his all to reposition NNPCL, can be harassed, what encouragement remains for diaspora Nigerians?”
The NPID highlighted President Tinubu’s public commendations of Kyari’s achievements.
It will be recalled that in August 2023, Tinubu hailed Kyari as a reformer who repositioned the oil industry to attract global investors during the signing of a $7 billion gas deal. Again, in October 2023, the president praised Kyari’s dedication, noting that under his leadership, NNPCL recorded profits for the first time in 44 years, transitioning from a loss-making entity toprofit-making giant.
They outlined Kyari’s transformative contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, including:
Financial Turnaround: Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL declared profits of ₦287 billion in 2020, ₦674 billion in 2021, and a record-breaking ₦3.3 trillion in 2023.
Transparency Drive: Kyari introduced the transparency, accountability, and performance excellence (TAPE) initiative, publishing audited financial statements for the first time in NNPCL’s history.
Major Projects: He spearheaded initiatives like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Kolmani Integrated Oil & Gas Development Project, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.
Investor Confidence: Kyari resolved disputes with international oil companies, paving the way for investments like the $10 billion Bonga South-East deepwater project.
Fuel Supply Stability: Through “Operation White,” he curbed fuel smuggling and ensured a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“These are concrete results that no amount of propaganda can erase,” Oguntonade stated.
He urged President Tinubu, whom they praised for delivering democratic dividends and steering Nigeria away from economic collapse, to intervene and protect Kyari from “disgruntled elements.” The group alleged that these attacks stem from individuals who lost access to corrupt practices in NNPCL due to Kyari’s reforms. “Mr. President, history will not forgive us if we allow enemies of progress to destroy reformers,” Oguntonade said, calling for Kyari to receive a national honour rather than persecution.
While commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its anti-corruption efforts, the NPID criticized its actions against Kyari as misguided. “Public service is not a crime,” Oguntonade emphasized. “Targeting reformers like Kyari discourages Nigerians in the diaspora from returning to serve and risks demoralizing dedicated patriots at home.”
The group demanded the immediate lifting of any restrictions on Kyari and called for an investigation into the sponsors of the attacks, whom they described as beneficiaries of a dismantled corrupt oil cartel. In a bold move, the group announced plans to honor Kyari in the United Kingdom in November 2025, with President Tinubu and the UK Prime Minister as special guests. The event will celebrate Kyari’s reforms, integrity, and service to Nigeria.
Furthermore, the NPID warned that allowing such attacks to persist could deter thousands of Nigerian professionals abroad from contributing to national development.
“Today, it is Mele Kyari; tomorrow, it could be another patriot,” Oguntonade said. “Nigeria must protect her reformers, not persecute them.”
The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Kyari, declaring, “His legacy cannot be destroyed by those who failed to hold Nigeria captive under their corrupt grip.”