PH Refinery: Resign, Issue Public Apology, or Face Mass Protest, Niger Delta Group Warns NNPCL’s Kyari

The Coalition of Niger Delta Youths Against Poverty, Insecurity & Environmental Degradation (CONDYAPIED) has announced plans for a large-scale protest in Abuja. The group expressed frustration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over unfulfilled promises to operationalize the Port Harcourt refinery by September 2024.

The coalition, led by coordinator Engr. Jonas Igariga and General Secretary Comrade Jack Opobo, issued a joint statement calling for Kyari’s resignation and a public apology. The group criticized Kyari for what they described as “plunging the nation into hardship” through reliance on petroleum imports despite over $3 billion reportedly invested in refurbishing local refineries.

NNPCL’s promise to begin local refining at the Port Harcourt plant, intended to stabilize prices and reduce dependency on imported fuel, has not materialized. Instead, Nigerians have faced a steep increase in petroleum prices, with marketers importing refined products at elevated costs. The coalition claims this dependency is deliberate and is orchestrated by “NNPCL cabal” who, they allege, prioritize import profits over national welfare.

The coalition further warned against a rumored plan to convert the Port Harcourt refinery into a blending plant, which they argue would involve the mixing of imported, low-grade petroleum with chemicals for local sale. According to the coalition, this shift could have detrimental environmental impacts on the Niger Delta region, with potential exposure to harmful pollutants.

“This move,” the coalition declared, “would expose our communities to environmental degradation and health risks from toxic chemicals. We will not allow our refinery to be turned into a mere blending plant.”

In the weeks ahead, CONDYAPIED plans to lead protests to Abuja, vowing to occupy the NNPC towers until action is taken.