A group of Nigerians living abroad, under the banner of the Diaspora Good Governance Watch (DGGW), has announced plans to stage large-scale protests, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd).
The demonstrations are set to occur in London and at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following NNPC’s recent admission that it owes $6.8 billion to petrol suppliers—after previously denying any such debt.
The DGGW labeled this reversal as a “brazen lie,” pointing to what they describe as corruption, mismanagement, and impunity within the NNPC under Kyari’s leadership.
Led by Kolawole Akinmosu, a former House of Representatives candidate from the All Progressives Congress, the group accused Kyari of violating international sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, the EU, and the G8. They demanded his arrest, claiming his actions make him a fugitive who must be held accountable.
Akinmosu also criticized the NNPC’s inability to tackle major challenges in the oil sector, including fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism, and rampant oil theft. He revealed that more than 500 Nigerians from across Europe are expected to join the London protest, while over 1,000 demonstrators will gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He further noted that the ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria has had a devastating effect on the population, causing more deaths than insecurity and diseases combined, while leaving many families without livelihoods, especially impacting women and children.
Akinmosu also alleged that Kyari’s involvement in blending Russian fuel in Malta to exploit Nigerian citizens has inflicted greater harm on the economy than any other event in the past 50 years.
“We are outraged by the Nigerian NNPC Ltd recent admission that it owes $6.8 billion to petrol suppliers, after initially denying any debt. This brazen lie is a clear indication of the gross mismanagement, corruption, and impunity that has plagued the NNPC under the leadership of Mele Kyari,” Akinmosu said.
“The NNPC’s debt crisis is a result of years of inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, which have led to fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft becoming the norm. The lack of transparency and accountability in the sector has tarnished Nigeria’s reputation and led to billions of dollars lost to fraudulent activities.
“The initial denial of debt by the NNPC is a clear indication of an attempt to cover up and deceive the Nigerian people. This act of dishonesty has eroded trust and confidence in the NNPC and its leadership. It is unacceptable for a state-owned corporation to engage in such blatant deception, and Mele Kyari must be held accountable for this betrayal of public trust.
“Furthermore, Mele Kyari has breached international sanctions put in place by the UN Security Council, EU, and G8, making him a fugitive who must be brought to justice.
“Rising from our meeting in Lewisham, England, we confirm that over 500 Nigerians from various European countries will participate in a protest in London, while over 1,000 Nigerians will protest at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. These protests will demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mele Kyari for his crimes against Nigeria and its people.
“The call for Mele Kyari’s removal is no longer sufficient; we demand for his arrest and prosecution globally. The New York protests will be coordinated by Charles George Oche and promise to be one of the largest assemblies of black people.”
The DGGW called on the international community to join them in demanding justice for Nigeria and its people, stating that Mele Kyari must be held accountable for his crimes, and the NNPC must be reformed to ensure transparency and accountability.
The group vowed to continue protesting and demanding justice until Mele Kyari is brought to book and the NNPC is reformed.
“Kyari has failed to address the myriad of challenges facing the industry. The sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP has dwindled, and the country’s reputation has been tarnished due to lack of transparency and accountability, with billions of dollars lost to fraudulent activities,” Akinmosu said.
“Furthermore, the industry is plagued by vested interests, with concerns over the importation of adulterated petroleum products, non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and energy security concerns.
“We call on the international community to join us in demanding justice for Nigeria and its people. Mele Kyari must be held accountable for his crimes, and the NNPC must be reformed to ensure transparency and accountability.”
