The Tinubu Legacy Coalition (TLC), a group of influential members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the leaders of the country’s oil and gas regulatory agencies due to their purported inability to manage the industry.
Convener/National President Hon. Bala Abu, Co-Convener Dr. Jeremmiah Okino, Secretary Comrade Gabriel Gbana, Dr. Thomas Terna, Princess Ajibola, and ninety-five additional signatories to the letter addressed to the president made the request.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) were given stern warnings by the party’s stakeholders to remove Mele Kyari, Gbenga Komolafe, and Farouk Ahmed from their positions.
The APC group listed pipeline damage, oil theft, and the ongoing fuel crisis that causes long lines at gas stations around the nation as examples of the shortcomings of Kyari and other oil sector officials.
Additionally, there are rumors that the NNPCL-managed refinery in Rivers State has once again been unable to start up after roughly six delays.
The group further stated that the country’s brand is being damaged internationally and claimed that the oil and gas industry’s contribution to the GDP has decreased.
The letter says, in part, “We are compelled to express our deep concern over the state of the nation’s oil and gas industry. Despite the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, it has been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement.
“The continued stay in office of Mele Kyari, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and Farouk Ahmed has done more harm than good to the image of President Tinubu,” the letter said.
“The oil and gas sector is in shambles, with fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft rampant.
“The sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP has dwindled, and the country’s reputation has been tarnished.
“The lack of transparency and accountability in the sector has led to widespread corruption, with billions of dollars lost to fraudulent activities.”
