Mele Kyari admits Nigerian oil industry in mess, bleeding, but says his NNPCL officials not thieves
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has asserted that personnel of the company have nothing to do with the substandard importation of petroleum products into the country.
He made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja when he appeared before a Senator Opeyemi Bamidele-led Ad-hoc Committee over alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.
Kyari stated that as the GCEO of the company, he has faced undue media attacks from individuals attempting to create the impression that NNPCL is sabotaging the nation’s economy. He emphasized that the company remains “faithful and will not lie” to the country.
“We are not criminals and we are not thieves. We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country,” Kyari declared.
He further elaborated that the oil and gas industry is suffering significant challenges and hinted at undisclosed issues that he could not discuss publicly until “the time comes.”
Kyari requested that the committee sessions be televised live so that all Nigerians can monitor the proceedings, thereby ensuring transparency.
He also addressed the broader challenges facing the oil industry, noting that the sector is currently in a state of distress. Kyari hinted at underlying problems within the industry that he could not publicly disclose but assured that they were being addressed internally.
Kyari reiterated that the company is committed to maintaining its integrity and serving the nation faithfully. He urged the public to understand the complexities involved in the petroleum sector and to recognize the efforts being made by NNPCL to resolve these issues.
In his testimony, Kyari also touched on the broader economic implications of the challenges facing the oil industry. He noted that the sector’s difficulties have far-reaching effects on the national economy, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil revenue. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the company’s ability to navigate through the current crisis and emerge stronger.
Kyari’s statements come amidst growing scrutiny of NNPCL’s operations and increasing calls for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the country’s oil resources. His call for live broadcasts of the committee sessions reflects an effort to foster transparency and rebuild public trust in the company’s operations.
