Nigerians have expressed anger over the recent trip of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, to Saudi Arabia for religious activities amid severe fuel scarcity across the country.
Kyari, who shared images and videos of his journey on social media, has come under fire for leaving the country at a time when many depots for Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, are dry, leading to long queues at fuel stations in Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Niger, and other states.
Amid the scarcity, black marketers have taken advantage of the situation, selling petrol at prices ranging from N1,200 to N1,500 per litre, depending on the location.
Despite assurances from the NNPC that efforts are underway to address distribution and logistics challenges, the scarcity persists, leading to widespread frustration.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria had also voiced its concerns, accusing the NNPC of failing to supply adequate fuel to its members, who control a significant share of the nation’s filling stations.
Nigerians expressed their displeasure on Wednesday stating while Kyari’s trip might be his private life, the NNPC boss ought to be sensitive at this period.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, criticised Kyari for his perceived lack of empathy.
“Some of our leaders are simply uncaring. They are insensitive to the plight of their compatriots. And that is what Mele Kiari could have demonstrated.
“This is not the time that our leaders should be displaying a kind of, like a drastic attitude towards the plight of Nigerians. They should show a high level of empathy. Even if the pains and pangs of the economic downturn are not touching them, they should at least pretend that they care for our welfare.
“Just like many people have wondered, why should he remain in office till now? We thought that the present administration would change the face of the petroleum economy in this country. But nothing seems to be changing. It is like we are moving from a frying pan to a fire. So he doesn’t have anything new to introduce to NNPC,” Adeniran said.
He further called for Kyari’s removal, questioning the effectiveness of the current administration’s handling of the petroleum sector.
The executive director noted, “He should be removed. He does not even care a hoot. He doesn’t show any sense of empathy.”
The Co-Convener of the Civil Society Situation Room, Ugochukwu James, while acknowledging Kyari’s right to travel, emphasised the need for greater sensitivity.
“Well, I don’t think I have any issue with him traveling. It’s his fundamental right to move around and go wherever he wants to go. But the question is, how is he going to feel if you get to Saudi Arabia and there’s long queues of fuel everywhere and he could not get to his destination from the airport
“These are the things that he should be thinking as he’s in the Holy Land. What is he going to do to ensure that when he comes back, the freedom of movement, and the ease he is enjoying in Saudi Arabia is replicated here in Nigeria?
“He needs to show some level of sensitivity in this issue. Let people have a feeling that, yes, you have their interests at heart,” James remarked.
The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Musa, expressed concern about the actions of public officials during a time of crisis in Nigeria.
He emphasised that while the private lives of these officials are respected, there is a strong belief among Nigerians that public officials need to stay focused and dedicated, especially in times of crisis.
Referring specifically to Kyari’s tweet, Musa pointed out that many Nigerians were unhappy with the timing, given the ongoing petrol crisis in the country.
He stressed that public officials should remain in the country to address the numerous challenges facing Nigeria rather than traveling abroad.
Musa also criticised the President and other high-ranking officials for leaving the country during a period marked by crises like bad governance, corruption, insecurity, hunger, poverty, unemployment, and governmental confusion.
He urged public officials to be more sensitive and present, as their presence is seen as crucial in resolving the ongoing energy crisis and other pressing issues facing the nation.
“On Kyari’s tweet, many Nigerians are not happy, especially given the petrol crisis that the country is facing. I think it is important that public officials should always remain at home to face numerous challenges that we face to resolve them,” he said.
Kyari also received criticisms on social media, as Nigerians attacked him on X.
Reacting to the issue, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, said the absence of the company’s boss will not impact the availability of fuel products in the country.
“We have EVP (Executive Vice President) Downstream who oversees these areas, and we have consistently informed Nigerians about the cause of the supply tightness, which has nothing to do with the GCEO, whether he is here or abroad. The situation is being addressed, and we have capable hands managing it effectively,”Soneye said.