The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) have jointly condemned what they describe as a “targeted and malicious” media campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Malam Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The groups, in a press conference held in Abuja, addressed allegations surrounding the $3.3 billion crude-for-loan deal, dismissing claims of corruption as baseless and politically motivated.
The press conference, attended by representatives of both organizations, highlighted Kyari’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector and his role in navigating the country through a challenging economic crisis.
The groups praised Kyari as a patriotic leader who prioritized the nation’s interests over those of powerful cabals, describing him as a key figure in stabilizing Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
The Crude-for-Loan Deal: Setting the Record Straight
At the heart of the controversy is a $3.3 billion crude-backed loan agreement, facilitated by Afreximbank and backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The deal, which predates the current administration, was designed to bolster Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and provide economic stability during a period of global and domestic financial strain. Critics, however, have labeled the transaction a “scandal,” accusing Kyari of mismanagement and alleging that it “mortgages Nigeria’s future.”
COCSON and BAVCCA refuted these claims, emphasizing that the deal was a standard commercial transaction, fully vetted by multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office, and the Attorney General’s Office.
“This is not a scandal—it is a structured misrepresentation of a legitimate sovereign deal,” said Comrade Tabuko Kennedy, National Mobilisation Officer of COCSON. “Kyari was executing national policy, not pursuing personal gain.”
The groups further clarified that there is no evidence of missing crude, diverted funds, or financial misappropriation. “All proceeds and repayment schedules are transparent, documented, and auditable,” Kennedy added.
“Those making allegations should provide proof through legal channels instead of misleading the public with sensational headlines.”
Kyari’s Legacy of Transparency and Reform
The coalition hailed Kyari as the most transparent NNPC boss in decades, crediting him with transforming the NNPCL into a commercially run, limited liability company. For the first time in the corporation’s history, its financial records have been audited, published, and made accessible to the public—a milestone the groups described as a hallmark of reform, not corruption.
“Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL became a model of accountability,” said Efe John Abayomi, National Spokesperson for BAVCCA. “The attacks on him are not about accountability; they are about derailing the progress he championed in sanitizing Nigeria’s oil sector.”
Allegations of Political Sabotage
COCSON and BAVCCA alleged that the protests and media campaigns against Kyari are being orchestrated by vested interests threatened by his reforms. “This is a case of corruption fighting back,” Kennedy stated. “Certain elements, who thrived in the opaque days of the oil sector, are sponsoring these attacks to undermine the progress made under Kyari’s leadership.”
The groups pointed to credible intelligence suggesting that politically motivated actors are behind the protests, which they described as “hired demonstrations” aimed at destabilizing the NNPCL and distracting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from its broader goal of reforming the petroleum industry.
Presidential Endorsement
The coalition drew attention to President Tinubu’s public endorsement of Kyari, noting that on January 8, 2025, the President praised Kyari on his 60th birthday, describing him as “a shining example and embodiment of the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.” Tinubu commended Kyari’s commitment to creating opportunities and ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector, a statement made shortly after Kyari’s exit as NNPCL GCEO.
“This makes it clear that Kyari’s departure was not a dismissal but a smooth transition,” Abayomi said. “His legacy of integrity and reform remains recognized at the highest levels of government.”
A Call to Action
COCSON and BAVCCA vowed not to stand idly by while a reformer like Kyari is “sacrificed on the altar of politics.”
They urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in his administration’s efforts to sanitize the petroleum sector and resist distractions from detractors.
“We call on those with genuine concerns to present evidence through proper legal channels, not through sponsored protests or media trials,” Kennedy said. “Enough is enough. We stand with Mele Kyari, we stand for due process, and we stand for the national interest.”
The groups concluded by reiterating their commitment to defending Nigeria’s progress and ensuring that the truth prevails over misinformation.