Fuel Price Hike Sparks Criticism as Silent Petrol Boss Sparks Mistrust

As millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from fuel scarcity, resulting in long queues in filling stations, former advisor Daniel Bwala believes that the silence from oil corporation officials is a stark contradiction to their supposed promise to educate the public.

Speaking on X, Mr. Bwala charged Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and Ministry of Petroleum officials for an abrupt disappearance from public duties during this critical time of policy change. The group director, according to an excerpt from Mr. Bwala’s posting: “When NNPCL announced a major policy decision like the increase of petrol, you would expect the GMD to make the media rounds dissecting and explaining to Nigerians the genuine intentions of govt based on economic realities.”
With the recent petrol increase, from N617 per liter to N897, affecting the average citizen the most, Bwala deems the Federal government for failing to clarify what fueled this hike and potential negative consequences for the global oil market.

Moreover, according to the NN PLC’s statement, it accumulated approximately $6.8 billion in debt, straining its capacity to distribute fuels. As Mr. Kyari’s and petrol authorities’ inaction becomes evident, Bwala calls for an end-to silence and for transparent engagement of the Nigerian citizens before peddling any false narrative emerges around the price hike events in the country.

Given these circumstances, Nigerian Petroleum corporation officials should seize such moment to reassure their confidence through open communication to end all speculations that keep unfolding.