Groups urge Tinubu to ignore calls for Kyari’s sack as NNPCL GCEO

A coalition of three groups has urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

Describing the allegations as unfounded and baseless, the groups claimed that they were orchestrated by corrupt oil thieves who are threatened by his transparency and accountability.

The groups supporting the NNPCL boss include the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC), Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), and the Bloggers and Content Creators Association of Nigeria.

Oluwatoyin Animashaun of NPID, who read the statement on behalf of the groups, said that despite the attacks against Kyari, he has made significant progress in transforming the oil and gas sector, saving billions of naira, and driving national economic growth.

Animashaun noted that his leadership has fostered a shift towards transparency, professionalism, and operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence and positioning Nigeria for energy self-sufficiency.

According to her, the successful transition of NNPC into a limited liability company (NNPCL) is a landmark achievement under Kyari’s leadership, making the company financially viable and competitive with global oil giants.

Her words: “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 led 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.

“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. 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.

“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.”