The House of Representatives says it would ask President Bola Tinubu to sack the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the issues surrounding the Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos State.

The Star recalls that the House of Representatives recently called for the sack of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over what it called unguarded comments against local refineries.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, July 27, 2024, the deputy spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, said demand for Kyari‘s removal would occur if there was evidence of an attempt to destroy the Dangote refinery.

Agbese stated: “Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPCL and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.

“The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country.

Reps: We’ll investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPCL rift

“As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the House is to investigate the allegations.

“It is on record that the House had directed the President to sack NMDPRA, so the House will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL if need be.”

Agbese said the leadership of NMDPRA must be sacked, adding that both agencies had confirmed they were interested in destroying the Dangote refinery.

“Many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they want to see Kyari’s sack if that will guarantee that the country will function smoothly,” the lawmaker added.

He further announced the readiness of the lawmakers to investigate the ongoing spat between the Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, and NNPCL.

Agbese said the investigation conformed to the House’s commitment to protect all national assets and critical economic infrastructure like the Dangote refinery.

The Star