The Coalition for Energy Reforms and Good Governance Advocacy has called on the federal government to investigate the alleged corruption plaguing Nigeria’s oil sector. During a press conference held in Abuja, the coalition urged the government to address the issues surrounding the recent petrol pump price hike, which has been widely criticized for worsening the country’s already dire economic situation.
Criticism of NNPCL Leadership
The convener of the coalition expressed deep dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Mela Kyari, accusing the company of failing to deliver on its promises to improve the petroleum sector. One of the key criticisms was the NNPCL’s inability to revive local refineries, a significant failure of Kyari’s tenure according to the coalition.
Call for Audit and Accountability
“The Nigerian government must immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of the NNPCL’s operations, focusing particularly on allegations of corruption and the unnecessary charges that have been added to the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” the convener stated. He stressed that those responsible for inflating fuel prices and sabotaging efforts to restore local refineries must be held accountable, regardless of their positions of power.
A Path Toward Energy Independence
The coalition further called on the government to urgently invest in reviving Nigeria’s local refineries, emphasizing the need to end the country’s reliance on imported fuel. “Nigeria has the resources, the manpower, and the expertise to become a net exporter of petroleum products,” the convener said. “But this can only happen if we break free from the grip of the corrupt cabals that have hijacked the industry.”
The coalition’s statements reflect growing public frustration with the state of the oil sector and the urgent need for reforms to stabilize the economy and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.
