Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), is under increasing scrutiny as a coalition of more than 100 civil society organizations calls for answers regarding the halted operations at the Warri Refinery.
Despite $3 billion reportedly allocated for its rehabilitation, the refinery remains idle, raising questions around transparency and accountability.
Representing the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Corruption in the Energy Sector, these organizations have warned of mass protests at NNPCL’s headquarters if no immediate action is taken.
The coalition’s spokesperson, Engr. Efe Irabor, expressed frustration: “We will not stand by while this irresponsibility continues. Nigerian refineries must operate fully.”
Irabor accused Kyari’s leadership of stalling energy sector progress, pointing out that refinery inactivity places a heavy burden on millions who rely on affordable fuel.
He also criticized NNPCL’s alleged interference with competition, specifically noting crude supply issues affecting the Dangote Refinery.
“If crude were freely supplied to the Dangote Refinery, fuel prices would drop, easing pressure on the masses,” he argued.
The coalition further voiced concern over NNPCL’s rumored plan to convert the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries into blending facilities, which it claims could favor certain fuel importers while potentially compromising environmental standards and local refining capabilities.
In a bold move, the coalition has committed to organizing a “2 million-man march” to the National Assembly if satisfactory explanations are not provided, highlighting the public’s call for transparency in refinery funding and operations.
