The Coalition for Energy Reforms and Good Governance Advocacy has urgently called on the Federal Government to investigate alleged corruption within the oil sector in light of the recent increase in petrol prices.
This appeal was made during a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, where the group expressed outrage over the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Yakubu Dauda, the convener of the coalition, criticized the NNPCL under the leadership of Mele Kyari for failing to fulfill its promises to enhance the Nigerian petroleum sector.
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He specifically highlighted the company’s inability to revive local refineries as a critical shortcoming of Kyari’s administration.
Dauda stated, “The Nigerian government must immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of the NNPCL’s operations, focusing particularly on the allegations of corruption and the unnecessary charges that have been added to the price of PMS.”
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He stressed that those responsible for inflating fuel prices and sabotaging local refineries must be held accountable, regardless of their positions.
The coalition further urged the government to invest in local refineries to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel, asserting, “Nigeria has the resources, the manpower, and the expertise to become a net exporter of petroleum products, but this can only happen if we break free from the grip of the corrupt cabals that have hijacked the industry.”