Fuel hike: Sack Mele Kyari now, youth leaders urge Tinubu

The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently sack the GMD/CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, over the rising pump prices of petrol imposed by the corporation.

Expressing deep concern over the escalating fuel prices, the council stated that the increases have exacerbated the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.

In a statement issued to journalists, NENYLC recalled that despite a decline in petrol prices in the international market, the NNPCL has raised the price of the product multiple times over the past year.

The group criticized Mr. Kyari for failing to mitigate the financial strain imposed on citizens due to the soaring fuel costs.

The statement, signed by the council’s President-General, Comrade Terry Obieh, and Organizing Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, highlighted the severe impact of high petrol prices on Nigerian society.

“The current high cost of petrol is affecting every aspect of Nigerian life,” the statement read. “It has led to increased transportation fares, inflated food prices, and escalated costs of basic goods and services.

“These hardships disproportionately impact Nigeria’s youth, students, low-income earners, and vulnerable groups, further widening the economic gap and stalling the nation’s development.

“We have made our position clear that the relentless rise in pump prices has placed an unbearable burden on Nigerians.

“Many families are struggling to make ends meet, businesses are at risk of closure, and the rising cost of living is pushing more Nigerians below the poverty line. This is unacceptable in a country blessed with abundant natural resources.”

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The group urged the Federal Government to adopt policies that ensure affordable and accessible fuel for all Nigerians.

“We strongly recommend an immediate review of the pricing structure, subsidies, and management practices, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the welfare of citizens.

“Additionally, we advocate for investments in alternative energy sources to diversify Nigeria’s energy landscape and reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels.

“Ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable fuel is not just an economic obligation—it is a matter of social justice and national stability.

“We call on the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of citizens over profit margins and to take concrete steps to reduce pump prices to the barest minimum. This is essential for the stability, unity, and prosperity of our nation.”

The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the interests of all ethnic nationalities in the country. The group vowed to continue holding public institutions accountable for safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of Nigerians.