A coalition of Civil Society Organizations held a rally on Friday, demanding urgent investigations into alleged sabotage that has hindered Nigeria’s petroleum refineries from operating efficiently.
The coalition also called for the immediate dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.
The coalition accused Kyari’s leadership of stifling the potential of Nigeria’s refineries, asserting that the policies implemented under his watch have prioritized profit over national interests, leading to more harm than good for local oil production.
The protest took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where the coalition, under the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, expressed discontent with NNPCL’s approach to the oil sector.
They argued that the company’s profit-driven policies have actively obstructed initiatives aimed at advancing energy independence and job creation within Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters, the Goup’s national Spokesperson, Segun Adebayo, highlighted that, despite Nigeria’s vast capacity to refine petroleum domestically, a powerful network within NNPCL has continued to enforce a reliance on importing Premium Motor Spirit.
He stated, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit importation on Nigeria.”
Adebayo emphasized the heavy financial burden this dependency places on Nigeria’s economy, with the country losing billions in foreign exchange due to fuel imports.
He explained that this import reliance puts Nigeria in a vulnerable position, exposing the nation to global oil price fluctuations and currency instability while a select group profits from sustaining this system.
“This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain. Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, while this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo,” he said, underscoring the need for accountability.
The coalition also called on authorities to re-evaluate the policy requiring local refineries to purchase crude oil in dollars rather than in naira
the Coalition’s nlNational Coordinator, Benjamin James, advocated for the sale of Nigerian crude to local refineries in naira, arguing that this shift would protect the nation’s currency and foster local industry growth.
He explained, “One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the naira.”
James further noted that moving to a naira-based transaction model for crude oil would strengthen Nigeria’s stance on economic sovereignty and show a commitment to bolstering local industries.
He added, “A shift to selling crude oil domestically in naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritising its local industries and economic sovereignty.”
The coalition’s rally and demands come amidst ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel despite its substantial crude oil resources, with advocates urging the government to prioritize domestic energy production to benefit the economy and Nigerian citizens directly.
