Nigeria’s energy sector is once again in the news, raising serious concerns about the management of funds and the functioning of refineries. Indeed, following urgent calls by the Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) and the APC Youth Vanguard for Change (APCYVC) for an investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its Managing Director, Mele Kyari, the issue of transparency and accountability is at the heart of the debate.
The colossal amount of $2.9 billion allocated in 2021 for the rehabilitation of the refineries has yet to yield the expected results, leading to frustration among many observers. Indeed, despite these significant investments, the refineries remain idle, fueling a sense of betrayal by the NNPCL towards the population.
Criticism has been levelled at what is seen as systemic corruption and lack of accountability within the NNPCL. Advocacy groups point out that the billions spent on maintaining the refineries over the past 25 years have contributed little to optimum fuel production, forcing Nigeria to import fuel of questionable quality, thereby jeopardising economic stability and the health of citizens.
In light of these alarming findings, both ERA and APCYVC are urging President Tinubu to order an investigation into the management of the NNPCL and hold Mele Kyari accountable for the stalled reforms. They are calling for immediate measures to revitalise the sector, such as overhauling the regulatory framework, restarting local refineries, ensuring transparency in the management of subsidies and increasing public access to information.
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Youth Coalition Against Poverty, Insecurity and Environmental Degradation (CONDYAPIED) is calling for Mele Kyari to resign, accusing him of failing to deliver on his promise to reactivate the Port Harcourt refinery by September 2024. Coalition members fear the refinery will be converted into a blending plant, to the detriment of the health of communities in the Niger Delta, and are determined to protest against the project, which they consider dangerous.
This uprising against the NNPCL and its CEO raises critical questions about the governance of Nigeria’s oil sector and highlights the vital challenges of transparent, efficient and accountable management of the country’s energy resources. As public opinion grows concerned about these dysfunctions, pressure is mounting on the authorities to take concrete measures and restore citizens’ confidence in their national energy sector.