Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has urged Nigerians to cease labelling the company’s staff as thieves.
Speaking before an ad hoc Senate committee on August 7, 2024, Kyari defended the integrity of NNPCL, asserting that many of the issues plaguing the country’s petroleum sector are not the fault of his organisation.
Kyari emphasised that the NNPCL is committed to protecting the nation’s interests and is not involved in any criminal activities.
“NNPCL is loyal and faithful to the country,” Kyari stated. “We are not criminals. We are not thieves. But we will protect our dignity and honour.”
The Senate committee, chaired by Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, is investigating allegations of substandard petroleum products being imported into Nigeria.
Kyari’s remarks come amid growing controversies surrounding NNPCL’s operations.
The scrutiny intensified following comments by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, who, during a July appearance before the House of Representatives, alleged that some NNPCL personnel, along with oil traders, had established a blending plant in Malta.
Dangote suggested that these activities were well-known within the industry.
Kyari responded to these allegations on X (formerly Twitter), denying any knowledge of NNPCL employees owning or operating a blending plant in Malta or elsewhere.
He also clarified that such blending plants have no bearing on NNPCL’s business operations.
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