By A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NICOCSO), has called for an immediate investigation into alleged acts of sabotage affecting the nation’s refinery overhaul plans. The group also urged the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), citing his leadership’s negative impact on local refinery initiatives.
During a protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, NICOCSO claimed that policies from NNPCL, supposedly aimed at revitalizing the oil sector, are profit-driven and counterproductive to initiatives that could foster energy independence and job creation. Speaking to journalists, Segun Adebayo, the group’s national spokesperson, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that certain NNPCL policies are pushing Nigeria toward further economic challenges.
Adebayo argued that, despite Nigeria’s capacity for local fuel refining, NNPCL policies favor continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), costing the country billions in foreign exchange and leaving the economy vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. He condemned what he described as a cabal within NNPCL that allegedly obstructs local refinery development to preserve their profits. “This undermines our national prosperity and keeps Nigeria at the mercy of global oil market instability,” Adebayo stated.
The group commended private Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, who have invested in local refinery projects to reduce dependence on imported fuel. Yet, the group claimed NNPCL’s actions discourage these efforts, resulting in restricted job growth, limited investment, and ongoing economic dependency. NICOCSO demanded that President Tinubu initiate an investigation into NNPCL’s management practices to uncover any malpractice or corruption.
In addition, the coalition’s national coordinator, Benjamin James, proposed a shift in policy to sell Nigerian crude oil to local refineries in naira rather than dollars, which he argued would reduce foreign exchange losses, support local businesses, and strengthen the naira. “Selling crude domestically in naira would signal a serious commitment to building up Nigeria’s industries and securing economic sovereignty,” he added.
The coalition also reiterated its demand for the immediate dismissal of the NNPCL’s CEO, warning that they would mobilize protests across Nigeria’s 36 states if their calls went unheeded. “We will continue our advocacy nationwide to push for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Nigeria’s economy and the welfare of its people are at stake,” Adebayo declared.
