Felix Osakwe, the 2023 presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), has called on President Bola Tinubu to relinquish his role as Petroleum Minister, citing his inability to resolve Nigeria’s ongoing fuel crisis. Speaking during an interview in Abuja over the weekend, Osakwe questioned Tinubu’s decision to assume the role, asking why out of 200 million citizens, no one else could be appointed to manage the oil sector. He expressed concerns over transparency and accountability.

Osakwe also criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) leadership, singling out its managing director, Mele Kyari, for exacerbating the fuel shortage. He described the current leadership as part of a “conspiracy” contributing to the crisis.

In addition, Osakwe condemned NNPCL for allegedly discrediting the Dangote Refinery by suggesting its fuel was substandard, calling the claim damaging to the nation’s economy. He noted the absence of disciplinary actions against the NNPCL official responsible for the statement.

Meanwhile, oil and gas expert Barrister Odemwige Osaro echoed Osakwe’s concerns, criticizing Kyari’s tenure since 2019, during which petrol prices have significantly increased. Osaro questioned President Tinubu’s commitment to solving the fuel crisis, suggesting that the lack of restructuring in the NNPCL casts doubt on the administration’s intentions.