In order to discuss urgent issues regarding the country’s economic future and sovereignty, the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOCSO) convened a news conference in Abuja on November 8, 2024.

The coalition denounced the prioritization of imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above domestic refining by a faction within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), headed by Mele Kyari.

“Under NICOCSO, we are united in our protest of actions that threaten our nation’s economic future and sovereignty,” stated National Spokesperson Segun Adebayo.

“This strategy strains the economy, depletes foreign reserves, devalues the Naira, and impedes regional efforts to achieve energy independence and employment generation,” Adebayo underlined.

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In particular, the Dangote Refinery, which seeks to lessen dependency on foreign gasoline, was targeted for sabotage, which NICOCSO denounced.

“The NNPCL cabal prioritizes imported PMS over local refining, discouraging investors and limiting job creation,” said National Coordinator Benjamin James.

In order to support local refining, the coalition urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and authorize an inquiry into the cabal’s operations.

In order to protect our economic sovereignty, Adebayo encouraged President Tinubu to listen to the people, look into the NNPCL conspiracy, and sell crude oil to regional refineries in Naira.

Because to his leadership’s detrimental policies and obstruction of local refinery activities, NICOCSO called for Mele Kyari’s urgent dismissal.

James said, “Mele Kyari’s leadership has held back a system that hurts the country’s economy, maintained detrimental policies, and thwarted local refinery initiatives.”

Within the NNPCL, the coalition urged the National Assembly to back their calls for accountability, change, and openness.

Adebayo promised, “We will keep advocating throughout the 36 states until our demands are met.”

NICOCSO called on Nigerians to assist the public, civil society organizations, and the media in their demand for accountability.

James came to the conclusion that “by working together, we can create a Nigeria that supports local businesses, guarantees equitable fuel prices, and fosters economic sovereignty for the benefit of future generations.”

NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, recently testified before the National Assembly’s Senate Committee on Appropriations.