Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd), is facing calls for his resignation following the company’s admission of a staggering $6.8 billion debt.
At a press conference held in Abuja, Olalekan Isaac, President of the APC Youth Solidarity Network, sharply criticized Kyari’s leadership, labeling it a “failure.” Isaac expressed deep frustration over NNPC’s previous denial of its financial troubles, only for the company to later acknowledge the massive debt.
Isaac pointed out the inconsistency in NNPC’s statements, highlighting that just 14 days after disavowing a financial report suggesting no profits, the company was forced to admit to its significant debt. He declared, “We, the APC Youth Solidarity Network, resolutely maintain that the time has arrived for Mr. Mele Kyari to assume full responsibility for this leadership failure.”
The situation, Isaac noted, is a serious embarrassment not only for Nigeria but also for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused Kyari of a lack of transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence in managing the NNPC.
Isaac further condemned the mismanagement that has led Africa’s largest oil exporter to become heavily reliant on fuel imports, despite the recent commissioning of the 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to expedite Kyari’s resignation and conduct a thorough investigation into NNPC’s financial practices. They emphasized the need for new leadership that embodies integrity and transparency.
The APC Youth Solidarity Network also vowed to continue advocating for a Nigeria characterized by exemplary governance and accountability.