Mele Kyari Faces Intense Scrutiny Amidst ₦3 Trillion Fuel Importation Scandal at NNPC

Mele Kyari, the CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is under intense scrutiny following allegations of a ₦3 trillion fuel importation fraud.

The Coalition for Economic Liberation and Transformation (CELT) has brought these serious accusations to light, claiming that NNPCL, under Kyari's leadership, has engaged in questionable practices regarding fuel imports.

According to CELT, between October 1 and November 11, Nigeria imported substantial quantities of fuel, including 1.5 million metric tonnes of premium motor spirit, 414,018 metric tonnes of diesel, and 13,500 metric tonnes of aviation fuel.

This reliance on imports has been criticized, especially given the potential of domestic refining capabilities, such as the Dangote Refinery, which can process up to 650,000 barrels of oil daily.

Henry Owolabi, CELT's Executive Director, expressed his disapproval, stating, "Kyari’s deliberate sabotage of our refineries is criminal," highlighting how this practice exacerbates Nigeria’s currency challenges.

The coalition has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt further payments for these imports and called for a thorough regulatory investigation into both the financial and quality aspects of the imported fuel.

CELT argues that Kyari's actions undermine President Bola Tinubu’s policies aimed at strengthening the naira through domestic crude sales to local refineries.

"This irresponsible importation compromises the naira and disrespects the President’s efforts to stabilize the economy," Owolabi asserted. Furthermore, CELT has demanded Kyari's dismissal, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within NNPCL's operations.

They advocate for prioritizing domestic refining to ensure energy security, reduce costs, and promote economic growth. Owolabi concluded, "This scandal is a wake-up call for the government to invest in functional refineries and redirect funds towards critical sectors like healthcare and education."