President Bola Tinubu is reportedly under pressure to retain Mele Kyari aa the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC.

The president is said to be facing mounting pressure from civil society groups and stakeholders to retain Kyari, with some saying any change in the leadership of the NNPC could harm Nigeria’s oil sector.

At a press conference held at the Abuja Press Centre on Monday, February 10, Comrade Friday Maduka, Chairman of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, warned against any attempt to remove Kyari.

His words: “Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC has been a beacon of hope and transformation in the oil sector.

“His vision, expertise, and dedication have yielded unprecedented results, including the renewed functioning of refineries, stabilization of oil prices, and a greater focus on sustainable economic integration and development.”

He reiterated that under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC had experienced major reforms, including the company’s transition into a limited liability corporation, which significantly improved transparency and accountability.

Maduka expressed his concern over what he described as efforts driven by jealousy and envy, aimed at destabilizing the current leadership.

“In light of these achievements, it is puzzling that certain factors, driven by envy and jealousy, are seeking to undermine Mele Kyari’s leadership and the progress that has been made at NNPC.

“These underhand moves, campaigns, and shibboleths are not only a threat to the stability of the oil sector but also to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” Maduka stated.

Maduka emphasized the importance of allowing Kyari to complete his tenure, which began in 2023 and is scheduled to end in 2026 according to the extant laws governing the NNPC.

He argued that Kyari’s tenure is vital for the continued success of the corporation and the broader Nigerian economy.

We strongly believe that he should be allowed to consummate his outstanding work, thereby enabling the NNPC to attain its full potential and reach unprecedented heights,” he added.

Maduka also referenced the legal framework that supports Kyari’s extended tenure, particularly the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allows for a tenure extension beyond 2026.

He urged all Nigerians and civil society organizations to support Kyari in ensuring the sector continues to thrive.

“It is expected that it should terminate in 2027 in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which states that ‘The Composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited shall be determined in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association’,” Maduka explained.

He also lauded Kyari’s efforts in reducing fuel prices and promoting alternative energy solutions, particularly gas, as part of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy.

He further called for greater unity and collaboration across all sectors to maintain the momentum of progress at NNPC.

“Mele Kyari’s tenure has adroitly modulated the transition from the hitherto unbearable PMS Price regime to the incremental progressive lowering of the Petrol pump price by importuning all stakeholders to the imperative for lower pump fuel prices for all Nigerians,” he concluded.