Peter Obi, the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has called on the Nigerian government to eliminate the veil of secrecy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He believes that transparency is essential for Nigerians to understand the operations of this vital company and other state-owned entities.
In a recent post on his X account, Obi expressed his frustration regarding the persistent fuel shortages and the resulting difficulties faced by citizens, attributing these issues to the incompetence of the current government.
He pointed out the paradox of the NNPCL announcing a staggering ₦3 trillion profit in 2023 while simultaneously citing “financial constraints” that have disrupted fuel supply in the country, raising critical questions about the company’s management.
The former governor of Anambra State insisted on the need for the NNPCL to operate with greater openness and challenged the administration to rectify the chaos it has caused in managing the nation’s fuel system.
Obi emphasized the importance of citizens voicing their concerns and holding the government accountable for its actions. “Nigerians should relentlessly demand transparency from the government, particularly concerning crucial agencies like the NNPCL, which seem to operate in secrecy,” he stated.
He further mentioned the confusion surrounding subsidy payments, which has left many Nigerians uncertain about the company’s operations.
“It’s perplexing that the NNPCL, which reported a ₦3 trillion profit in 2023, is now presenting a puzzling narrative about ‘financial constraints’ in fuel supply,” he remarked.
Obi attributed the widespread fuel scarcity, which has led to long queues and significant hardship, directly to governmental mismanagement. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries in obtaining crude oil, suggesting that these difficulties underscore the administration’s gross incompetence.
“We demand a higher standard of transparency in NNPCL’s operations, financial activities, and future strategies,” he declared. “The Petroleum Industry Act requires an open and accountable NNPCL; we cannot be passive while the government disregards our laws. We expect this administration to be forthright about these issues and take responsibility for the turmoil it has caused.”
He concluded with a strong call for the truth to be revealed and for accountability for those responsible, emphasizing that the Nigerian populace deserves far better.
