A coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria has called for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), amid the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis. The demonstration, held at Abuja’s Unity Fountain, saw protesters accusing Kyari of severe incompetence and mismanagement.

Comrade Aminu Abbas, the convener of the rally, criticized Kyari for failing to address persistent fuel shortages, exorbitant prices, and the disrepair of the nation’s refineries. Protesters carried signs with slogans like “We are tired of hearing stories about our refineries” and “No direction, Kyari is just drifting with the wind.”

The coalition alleged that under Kyari’s leadership, the oil sector has deteriorated significantly, citing issues such as the importation of adulterated petroleum products and the sabotage of local refineries. They argued that these problems have worsened the fuel crisis, leading to long queues and inflated fuel prices for Nigerians.

“We ask: what has he done to alleviate this crisis? Where are the solutions?” the coalition questioned. “It is evident that Mr. Kyari has failed to take effective steps to resolve these issues. Instead, he seems to be maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer.”

The CSOs have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, asserting that Kyari’s continued tenure undermines the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic and social conditions. They emphasized that reforming NNPCL and removing Kyari is essential for addressing the fuel crisis and ensuring accountability within the oil sector.

“We will not be silenced. We will not be ignored. We will continue to raise our voices until justice is done and our demands are met,” the coalition declared, calling on the President and other authorities to show their commitment to real change and transparency.