The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Tuesday dismissed demands by protesters for the resignation of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari.
Some protesters led by members of Civil Society Organisations had earlier stormed the company’s headquarters in Abuja and demanding Kyari’s resignation over issues surrounding fuel distribution and skyrocketing prices.
The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, who reacted to the protest in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said Kyari was not ot responsible for the hike in prices of petrol.
He added that the protesters lacked understanding of the sector and information on the true state of things in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
Soneye said: “If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase.
“In fact, the GCEO ensured that Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.
“The NNPC Ltd. does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC Ltd.
“We have more pressing projects to accomplish to ensure energy security for our nation.”
He said protests would not deter or distract the NNPC from achieving the goal of implementing President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for energy security in Nigeria.