The House of Representatives has demanded the immediate removal of top executives from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Sahara Reporters, the call for their dismissal comes in response to serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the sector.
Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, has urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly by sacking Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, alongside other senior officials from both agencies.
This call follows accusations made by prominent businessman Aliko Dangote, who alleged that certain individuals within the NNPC were involved in the importation of substandard fuel into Nigeria. Dangote claimed that these individuals had set up a petroleum refinery in Malta to facilitate this illicit trade.
In response, Mele Kyari has firmly denied the allegations, challenging Dangote to provide evidence linking NNPC officials to the alleged blending plant in Malta. Kyari asserted that neither he nor his colleagues were involved in any such activities.
Despite Kyari’s denial, the House of Representatives remains skeptical. Agbese has criticized what he views as a campaign to undermine the Dangote Refinery, alleging that NNPC and NMDPRA are behind efforts to discredit the refinery, contributing to fuel shortages and economic instability.
The House of Representatives aims to investigate allegations against NNPC and NMDPRA officials thoroughly to restore confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector and ensure it serves national interests effectively. Removing these officials is considered a key step toward addressing industry challenges and securing economic stability.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, recently visited the Dangote refinery, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s key industries and fostering a conducive business environment.
