Northern group accuses NNPCL of manipulating subsidy regime

From Sola Ojo, Kaduna

The leadership of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Monday accused the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) under Kolo Mele Kyari of manipulating the fuel subsidy regime.

NYCN asked the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer to step aside to allow for an unfettered probe by the House of Representatives into the payment of N20 billion to a “ghost consultant”.

According to the President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, the NNPC manipulated the fuel subsidy regime which was seen during the acute fuel scarcity that lasted over 6 months.

“During the dark period, Nigerians were buying fuel at about N400 per litre, while the Federal Government spending on subsidy was skyrocketing.

“We are therefore urging the House of Representatives to probe the NNPC beyond the N20 billion contract scam. We will embark on a massive civil protest if the GCEO refuses to step aside”.

Isah further urged other civil society organisations to join his group in the struggle to “hold the NNPC accountable for its actions” adding that, “a thorough investigation into the payment of N20 billion to a ghost consultant is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”

The NYCN believed that the outcome of the NASS investigation would help to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry and the government as a whole.

“We are committed to ensuring that the NNPC is held accountable for its actions and that the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is transparent and accountable.

“We believe that the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry depends on the actions taken by the government and the NNPCL to address the issues raised by the payment of N20 billion to a ghost consultant,” he submitted.