Niger Delta youths knock NNPCL’s Kyari over failed Port Harcourt refinery promises

Youth groups under the Coalition of Niger Delta Youths Against Poverty, Insecurity & Environmental Degradation (CONDYAPIED) have voiced frustration with the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, for not delivering on his commitment to operationalize the Port Harcourt Refinery by the end of September 2024.

Kyari had repeatedly assured Nigerians that the Port Harcourt refinery would resume local refining to reduce petroleum prices significantly by the September deadline.

Yet, a month later, the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remain non-operational, leaving only the Dangote Refinery in production. Consequently, marketers continue to rely on imported refined petroleum, driving up costs for consumers.

In a statement jointly signed on Sunday by CONDYAPIED Coordinator Engr. Jonas Igariga and General Secretary Comrade Jack Opobo, the coalition demanded Kyari’s resignation and a public apology to Nigerians.

“In a society where leaders have a conscience, figures like Mele Kyari would bow their heads in shame, resign, and apologize for plunging the nation into hardship,” the coalition declared.

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“The NNPCL GCEO has repeatedly failed Nigerians concerning the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries, despite over $3 billion poured into the project. It appears that Kyari and his associates lack any intent to repair the refineries, preferring to import substandard products and profit at the citizens’ expense,” the statement read.

CONDYAPIED alleged that importers and NNPCL insiders are thwarting President Tinubu’s reforms, manipulating fuel supply to cause price hikes and prolonged queues.

The coalition warned of impending protests in Abuja, vowing to occupy the NNPC towers until their demands are met.

The coalition also raised concerns over reports suggesting plans to convert the Port Harcourt refinery into a blending facility.

“We fear this conversion will expose Niger Delta communities to harmful pollutants and chemicals, worsening environmental degradation,” they stated, emphasizing their resolve to oppose any move to transform the refinery into a blending plant.

CONDYAPIED announced that it would not relent in its fight to protect the environmental and economic well-being of Niger Delta residents, urging swift action to restore the refinery’s intended purpose.