Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Nigerian government to end the secrecy surrounding the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Obi insists that Nigerians have the right to be fully informed about the affairs of the NNPCL and other state-owned entities.
In a post shared on his X account on Tuesday morning, Obi expressed his concern over the ongoing fuel scarcity and the resulting hardships faced by Nigerians, attributing the crisis to the current administration’s incompetence.
Obi raised questions about the NNPCL’s recent financial activities, particularly its declaration of a ₦3 trillion profit in 2023, followed by claims of “financial constraints” that have allegedly hindered the company’s ability to supply fuel.
The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized the need for greater transparency in NNPCL’s operations. He urged the government to address the challenges it has created in managing the nation’s fuel system and encouraged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.
“Nigerians must not relent in demanding transparency in the operations of the government, especially in critical agencies like the NNPCL, whose activities are veiled in secrecy,” Obi stated.
He also highlighted the confusion surrounding subsidy payments, which he believes has left Nigerians uncertain about the true state of affairs within the NNPCL.
“It is perplexing that a company which declared a ₦3 trillion profit in 2023 is now citing ‘financial constraints’ as the reason for the fuel shortage. The resulting crisis, marked by long queues and widespread suffering, is a direct consequence of government ineptitude,” Obi added.
He pointed to the difficulties faced by the $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries in securing crude oil supplies, as well as the NNPCL’s search for external operators for its refineries, as further evidence of the administration’s mismanagement.
Obi called for compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates transparency in NNPCL’s operations. He urged Nigerians not to remain passive but to demand accountability and ensure that the government addresses the issues plaguing the petroleum sector.
“We must not rest until we uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The Nigerian people deserve better,” Obi concluded.
