The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups (AAYG) have criticized recent demonstrations demanding the removal of Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
AAYG characterized these protests as a “manipulative attempt” by monopolistic forces to derail ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector.
In a public statement, the group claimed that the protests at NNPCL Towers—which highlighted issues like fuel shortages—were organized by powerful figures with vested interests. According to AAYG, these individuals aim to obstruct Kyari’s reform efforts to stabilize and improve the energy sector.
The youth group alleged that those who gathered at the NNPCL Towers calling for Kyari’s removal were hired to support the monopolistic agendas of certain oil industry stakeholders.
AAYG contended that the protestors’ claims about fuel shortages were misleading and failed to reflect the actual challenges facing Nigeria’s oil industry.
The group further suggested that some senior insiders at NNPCL, feeling threatened by Kyari’s reforms, are working to undermine his leadership as they see his success as an obstacle to their own ambitions.
Victor Duniya, Publicity Secretary of the AAYG, stated that the protest seemed driven by individuals with monopolistic control in other industries who now want to replicate these practices in the oil and gas sector.
“We have reliable information that some top NNPCL executives, viewing Kyari’s successful career as a hindrance to their own advancement, are backing the protest as a means to push him out of his position,” he said. “This appears to be a case of internal sabotage, and those responsible should be investigated and held accountable.”
Duniya continued, suggesting that those calling for Kyari’s dismissal may include figures who have monopolized the cement industry and wish to do the same in oil and gas. He warned that the damage caused by monopolies in other sectors should serve as a lesson, urging instead for transparency and competition within Nigeria’s oil industry.
The AAYG urged President Bola Tinubu to stand by Kyari and launch an investigation into NNPCL insiders potentially working to undermine him.
“We call on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a thorough investigation to identify those behind these protests, especially any insiders acting in bad faith. This action would deter further misconduct,” the group added.
Finally, the youth group appealed to Nigerians—especially the youth—to focus on constructive dialogue addressing genuine national issues, to unite in supporting a secure and sustainable energy sector, and to resist being exploited by those with hidden agendas.
