By Lateef Salami
The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has faulted the recent protest led by one Comrade Kabir Matazu, which called for the probe and prosecution of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari.
The protest, staged under the banner of a group identified as Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, took place Tuesday at the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. The group accused Kyari of failing to settle a $2 billion debt allegedly owed by the NNPCL to a private company.
In a statement issued Thursday, YYC National Coordinator Comrade Eric Oluwole condemned the protest, calling it unjustified, narrow in scope, and driven by selfish motives.
“An objective look at the grievances of the protesters reveals that this so-called anti-corruption group is cloaking personal and selfish interests in the name of national concern,” the statement read.
“Why is the group focusing solely on an alleged single debt, while ignoring broader challenges in the petroleum sector that deserve attention—such as escalating fuel prices, supply disruptions, and declining output?”
The YYC argued that the NNPCL, as a corporate entity, has structures in place to handle debt claims and that singling out Kyari for attack was unwarranted and smacked of an ulterior agenda.
The council further asserted that Kyari’s time in office from July 8, 2019, to April 2, 2025, was marked by historic reforms, transformative projects, and efforts that positioned the NNPCL for long-term sustainability.
Some of the notable achievements under Kyari’s leadership, according to the YYC, include:
Implementation of the TAPE agenda (Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence), a strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing efficiency and corporate governance in the NNPCL.
Discovery of oil in Kolmani River-II Well, signaling significant potential for increased oil production in Northern Nigeria.
Peak crude oil production of 331,400 barrels per day in May 2020, setting a national record during a challenging period in the global oil market.
Renegotiation of Joint Venture (JV) and Production Sharing Contract (PSC) terms, cutting operational costs from $31 per barrel to $19 in some cases.
Execution of multi-billion-dollar funding and technical service agreements, including the $3.15 billion OML 13 and $876 million OML 65 deals that boosted production by up to 32% in key assets.
Acquisition of critical oil blocks such as OMLs 11, 24, 116, and 98, expanding NNPCL’s reserves and production footprint.
Development of strategic infrastructure, including the 614km Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, aimed at enhancing domestic gas utilization and electricity generation.
Expansion of NLNG’s production capacity through the signing of the NLNG Train 7 project, increasing output from 22 to 30 million tonnes per annum and attracting over $10 billion in foreign direct investment.
Debt recovery efforts, reclaiming over N80 billion and $45 million from gas off-takers and other partners.
Resolution of the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) cost dispute with Chevron, unlocking a $2 billion settlement expected to benefit the federal government over the next two decades.
Sustaining fuel supply and eliminating smuggling through “Operation White” and digital verification of fuel distribution channels.
The council emphasized that these achievements are a testament to Kyari’s reformist agenda and long-term vision for the NNPCL and the nation’s energy sector.
“Kyari’s record speaks for itself. His leadership ushered in transparency, efficiency, and significant revenue gains for the country,” the statement said. “Rather than hounding him with baseless allegations, Nigerians should celebrate a public servant who genuinely delivered value.”
The YYC urged all stakeholders to rise above politically-motivated distractions and to support leaders who have demonstrated capacity, integrity, and results.
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