The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, is not responsible for the price hike of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, in the country.

The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said this in reaction to the protesters’ demand for the removal of Kyari on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Recall that some protesters led by Civil Society Organisations stormed the NNPCL Headquarters in Abuja demanding Kyari’s resignation over issues surrounding fuel distribution and skyrocketing prices.

Reacting to the development, Soneye said the protesters lacked understanding of the sector and information on the true state of things in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.

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The NNPCL spokesperson said: “If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase.

“In fact, the GCEO ensured that Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.

“The NNPCL does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPCL.

“We have more pressing projects to accomplish to ensure energy security for our nation.”

He added that protests would not deter or distract the NNPCL from achieving the goal of implementing President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for ensuring energy security in Nigeria.

The Star