The Director General of the Confederation of APC Support Groups (CASG), Prof. Muhammad Kailani, has said that threats and calls for the removal of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, are driven by monopolistic interests and would worsen the fuel crisis in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Kailani accused those pushing for Kyari’s removal of attempting to undermine his achievements in the oil sector.
He said those individuals were the same actors who monopolised other industries, including cement, and now seek to impose similar practices in oil and gas at the detriment of already traumatised Nigerians.
“This protest is a clear attempt by monopolistic forces to derail the reforms Kyari has initiated in Nigeria’s oil industry. It is misleading, unpatriotic and masking the true challenges in the sector,” Kailani said.
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He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to back Kyari’s reforms, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue and unity in addressing genuine industry issues.
He also commended Kyari’s focus on energy security and economic stability, crediting his leadership for bringing transparency, efficiency, and accountability to the sector.
He said Kyari’s achievements underscore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his dedication to appointing capable leaders.
He said, “Mele Kyari’s tenure has brought unprecedented progress to Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” noting initiatives such as Kyari’s TAPE agenda in regions like the Upper Benue Trough and Gongola Basin, which have bolstered development.
“We have the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which has transformed NNPCL from a loss-making entity to a profitable one, as a testament to Kyari’s effective leadership.”