Abuja, October 23, 2026 — The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has reaffirmed its confidence in Mumuni Dagazau, an Executive Vice President of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), while urging Nigerians and industry stakeholders to support President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing petroleum sector reforms.
The assembly made its position known in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul-Hamid.
AYAGL said its confidence in Dagazau was informed by what it described as his leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, insisting that stability in key positions within the industry remained important to the implementation of ongoing reforms.
The group also criticised calls for Dagazau’s suspension, describing them as politically motivated and warning that allegations against public officials should be handled responsibly and through established institutional channels.
According to the assembly, unsubstantiated public accusations against officials could distract government institutions from their statutory responsibilities and undermine efforts to achieve stability in the petroleum industry.
The group maintained that stakeholders with genuine concerns should submit their complaints to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than rely on public accusations or pressure campaigns.
AYAGL further urged its state chapters, affiliate organisations and other stakeholders to express support for Dagazau while promoting constructive engagement and stability within the petroleum sector.
The assembly linked its position to the broader petroleum sector reforms being pursued by the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It argued that effective implementation of the reforms requires stable leadership, institutional cooperation and sustained engagement among government officials, industry operators and other stakeholders.
Nigeria’s petroleum sector has undergone significant policy changes in recent years, with the Federal Government pursuing reforms intended to reshape the industry, strengthen domestic energy supply and improve its long-term sustainability. These changes have also generated public debate over fuel prices, supply arrangements, market competition and the management of the country’s petroleum resources.
Against this backdrop, AYAGL called on Nigerians to avoid actions that could unnecessarily heighten tensions and instead allow relevant authorities to examine complaints and determine appropriate responses in accordance with established procedures.
The assembly reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging stakeholders to prioritise constructive dialogue and the broader national interest.
However, AYAGL’s endorsement represents the position of the organisation. Any allegations or concerns involving public officials remain matters for the appropriate authorities to assess on the basis of evidence and due process.
