Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has issued a statement defending Mr. Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The organization characterized Kyari as an exemplary technocrat whose leadership brought transformative advancements to Nigeria’s oil industry during his tenure from 2019 to 2025.
According to the press release, Kyari’s accomplishments include publishing NNPC’s first audited financial statements in 43 years, guiding the company to its first profit in 44 years during the 2020 financial year, and facilitating the Final Investment Decision for Train 7 of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas. The organization noted that these achievements demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability in corporate governance.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo explicitly condemned recent calls for an investigation into Kyari’s tenure by a group identifying themselves as “Concerned Citizens Against Corruption.” The Igbo organization dismissed these protesters as “misguided elements” likely sponsored by political opponents seeking to undermine Kyari’s legacy and distract the Federal Government from addressing crucial national issues.
The statement urged authorities to disregard claims from this “faceless group,” suggesting their motivations are compromised by their own alleged corrupt interests. Ohanaeze Ndigbo concluded that Kyari deserves national honors rather than criticism for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil industry. The press release was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.