The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to demand transparency from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited about the real status of petrol subsidy payments.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi expressed concerns over conflicting reports about subsidy payments, which he says have left Nigerians confused about NNPCL’s operations.
He stated, “Nigerians must stop at nothing in demanding for transparency in the operations of government, especially critical agencies like the state-owned NNPCL whose activities appear to be shrouded in secrecy,” Obi wrote on X.
He further highlighted his concerns about the company’s recent financial claims: “The conflicting reports on subsidy payments have left Nigerians in the dark, unsure of what is happening in this all-important company. It is very curious that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is coming up with a bizarre claim of ‘financial constraints’ in supplying fuel.”
Obi blamed the ongoing fuel scarcity, which has led to long queues and significant hardship, on the government’s failures. He pointed out, “The fuel scarcity crisis, characterized by endless queues, and untold hardship, is a direct result of the government’s ineptitude. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other Modular Refineries’ struggles to secure crude oil supply and NNPCL’s search for outside operators for its refineries are further proof of this administration’s gross incompetence.”
He called for greater transparency in NNPCL’s actions, especially regarding its financial dealings and future plans. “We demand a better level of transparency in NNPCL’s operations, financial dealings, and plans for the future. The Petroleum Industry Act mandates an open and transparent NNPCL, we should not stand idly by while this government violates our laws. We demand that this administration come clean on these issues and take responsibility for the mess it has created,” Obi said.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to continue pushing for answers and accountability. “We should not rest until we uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The Nigerian people deserve better,” he stated.
Obi’s comments reflect growing public frustration over fuel supply issues and the need for clear communication from the government on the matter.
