The Forum of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria has addressed recent criticisms and misrepresentations concerning Nigeria’s oil sector reforms.
The conference, led by Comrade Friday Maduka, Coordinator of the Joint Forum, was responding to criticisms from the Arewa Democratic Front (ADF).
At a press conference convened in Abuja, the Forum described misleading and unsubstantiated claims made by the ADF, stressing that it had sought to distort the truth about the oil industry.
Comrade Maduka expressed frustration over the attempts by individuals and groups lacking expertise in the oil sector to undermine the progress made under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLTD).
“We are bemused by the audacity of those who, without a foundational understanding of oil industry operations, choose to position themselves as experts. Their attempts at misinformation and distortion are both laughable and damaging,” Maduka said.
The Forum’s statement lamented the ADF’s ignorance of the complexities within the oil industry and its oversight of significant issues such as the four years of crude oil upfront sales and the resulting massive debt under the previous administration.
The Forum praised Mele Kyari for his efforts to address the sector’s challenges, including the issue of price stability for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to the Forum, Kyari has been wrongly accused of being responsible for the oil sector’s debt, which is a result of the excessive profit-driven practices of private marketers.
The Forum reiterated that Mele Kyari’s approach aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to advance Nigeria’s development and address the longstanding issues in the oil sector.
They praised Kyari for his dedication to creating positive change and for his efforts to involve all stakeholders in addressing the sector’s challenges.
The Forum urged Nigerians to support the federal administration’s efforts and to disregard misleading narratives.
They emphasized the importance of unity and continued support for the current administration’s initiatives, which they believe are crucial for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.
“Justice, transparency and the rule of law are immutable principles and scenarios and should be made of sterner stuff and context – relevant as it were specific to the existing situation of the intractable hitherto lingering contradictions in the oil sector industry, which Mele Kyari is fighting with all his strength and might to decisively resolve for posterity,” it stated.
The Forum concluded by calling on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the government’s reforms and to recognize the significant strides being made in the oil sector under the guidance of Kyari and the leadership of President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the NNPC is considering securing another crude oil-for-cash loan to raise at least $2 billion.
The move comes as the state-backed oil company seeks to bolster its finances and invest in boosting oil production amidst mounting economic pressures.
Kyari confirmed to Reuters that the company plans to take the loan against 30,000 to 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude production.
