Protests demanding a probe into the tenure of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), have intensified in Nigeria and abroad, with new groups joining the movement as of May 13, 2025. These protests, driven by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of transparency, focus on Kyari’s leadership from July 2019 to April 2025, particularly the expenditure of over $4 billion on refinery rehabilitation projects that allegedly yielded minimal results. Below is a detailed overview based on recent developments and ongoing sentiments.
Growing Protest Movement
- Nigeria-Based Protests:
- Concerned Citizens Against Corruption (CCAC): Since April 22, 2025, CCAC, led by Comrade Kabir Matazu, has spearheaded protests at the Federal Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s office in Abuja, demanding a judicial inquiry into Kyari’s tenure. They cite a lack of transparency in NNPCL’s financial transactions, particularly a $2 billion debt to Matrix Energy Limited, allegedly serviced through daily crude oil allocations. CCAC questions the $1.5 billion approved by the Federal Executive Council for Port Harcourt Refinery repairs, alongside Matrix Energy’s claimed $400 million investment in the same facility.
- Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law: This coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs) has escalated protests, targeting the Ministry of Finance (April 28) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (April 25). They allege Kyari misappropriated $4 billion on refinery repairs—$1.5 billion each for Port Harcourt and Warri, and $1 billion for Kaduna—claiming the costs were inflated compared to a $1 billion private sector proposal for all three. They demand a Supreme Court-led judicial commission to investigate.
- National Transparency Network: On April 17, CSOs under this banner called for a special investigation into the $1.5 billion spent on Port Harcourt Refinery, which remains non-functional. They urged prosecution of Kyari and other involved executives.
- Arewa Coalition for Accountable Leadership: On April 25, this group criticized Kyari for allegedly sponsoring counter-groups to deflect scrutiny, urging him to support a probe to clear his name.
- Escalation Plans: CSOs and lawyers, including Guardians of Democracy, vowed on May 2 to expand protests to Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna if the government does not establish an independent inquiry.
- International Protests:
- Rescue Nigeria Now: On May 12, hundreds of Nigerians in London, under this banner, protested at the Nigerian High Commission and UK Home Office, demanding Kyari’s deportation to face corruption probes. They accused him of residing in the UK to evade justice and transferring illicit funds, potentially violating UK anti-money laundering laws. The group submitted petitions urging the UK to revoke Kyari’s residency and aid asset recovery under UK-Nigeria treaties.
Key Allegations Against Kyari
Protesters and petitioners highlight several issues from Kyari’s tenure:
- Refinery Rehabilitation: Over $4 billion allegedly spent on Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, with no significant output. Critics note the refineries rely on chemicals from Indorama and question cost inflation, as private firms proposed repairs for $1 billion.
- Matrix Energy Debt: A $2 billion debt to Matrix Energy, serviced with crude oil, lacks transparency regarding negotiations and terms.
- Crude Oil Diversions: Allegations of 80,000 barrels per day diverted under “pipeline security” with no accountability.
- Fuel Subsidy Fraud: Increased petroleum imports during the 2020 COVID-19 decline in global fuel consumption raised suspicions of fraud.
- AKK Gas Pipeline: The $5 billion project allegedly faced irregularities in contract awards and execution.
- Crude-Backed Loans: NNPCL’s $21.565 billion in loans since 2019 are criticized for ceding trading upsides to international traders, disadvantaging Nigeria.
- Tax Evasion: Alleged collaboration with contractors to conceal costs and evade taxes, prompting calls for Federal Inland Revenue Service involvement.
Government and EFCC Response
- Government Assurance: On April 23, the Attorney General’s office, through Deputy Director Winifred Adekunle, promised a response to protest petitions, with Minister Lateef Fagbemi affirming no one is above the law.
- EFCC Probe: The EFCC is investigating Kyari and 13 other former NNPCL executives, requesting salary and allowance records. A forensic audit of NNPCL, announced by Finance Minister Wale Edun on April 22, is underway to boost operational efficiency.
- Kyari’s Removal: President Bola Tinubu sacked Kyari and the NNPCL board on April 2, 2025, replacing him with Bashir Ojulari, citing the need for enhanced efficiency and investor confidence.
Kyari’s Defense
Kyari has denied rumors of EFCC custody, calling them “mischief” aimed at discrediting him. In statements on May 4–5, he emphasized his 34-year service, including six as GCEO, was conducted with transparency and “fear of God.” He expressed readiness to cooperate with lawful inquiries and warned that disinformation could harm Nigeria’s international reputation.
Retraction Controversy
On May 2, CCAC retracted its corruption allegations against Kyari, citing a “limited understanding” of NNPCL’s operations and attributing misinformation to a House of Representatives spokesperson’s statement. This move drew skepticism, with critics questioning whether NNPCL funds were used to influence CSOs. The retraction has not halted other groups’ protests, which continue to gain momentum.
Public and Political Sentiment
- X Posts: Sentiment on X reflects strong public demand for accountability. Posts from May 3–12 report EFCC investigations and UK protests, with users like @SaharaReporters amplifying calls for Kyari’s probe and deportation. However, @ShehuSani suggested some Abuja protests were sponsored, with participants unaware of the issues.
- Broader Context: Protests echo earlier demands for Kyari’s removal during 2024 fuel scarcity crises, indicating long-standing frustration with NNPCL’s management.
Critical Analysis
While the allegations against Kyari are serious, the retraction by CCAC raises questions about the credibility of some claims or potential external influences. The lack of concrete evidence in public reports, combined with Kyari’s denial and willingness to cooperate, suggests the need for an independent, transparent investigation to separate fact from speculation. The EFCC’s ongoing probe and the promised forensic audit could clarify these issues, but political motivations—given Nigeria’s history of using anti-corruption campaigns selectively—cannot be ruled out. Protesters’ focus on refinery spending aligns with Nigeria’s economic struggles, where non-functional refineries force reliance on costly fuel imports, fueling public outrage.
Conclusion
The growing protests, now spanning Nigeria and the UK, reflect deep public distrust in NNPCL’s management under Kyari, driven by allegations of massive financial mismanagement. With the EFCC and government signaling action, the pressure for a thorough probe continues to mount. However, the retraction by one group and suggestions of sponsored protests highlight the complexity of the issue, necessitating a fair and impartial investigation to restore public trust.
If you need further details, such as specific protest actions, additional allegations, or updates on the EFCC probe, let me know!
