A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the banner of The National Transparency Network has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, April 17, the CSOs, led by their National Coordinator, Dr Fabian Opialu, expressed grave concerns over what they described as “reckless expenditure” and “lack of accountability” surrounding the controversial $1.5 billion allegedly spent on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
A national emergency
Dr Opialu stated that the refinery project, which was originally intended to cover the overhaul of two facilities, was inexplicably scaled down to one — with no functional output to show for it.
“Not only were these funds entirely expended on just one refinery, but the said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet even the most basic industrial standards expected of such an investment,” Opialu said.
He went on to describe the situation as “a national emergency” and called for a Special Commission of Inquiry to be constituted to investigate the entire process, from fund allocation to project execution.
Forensic audit and prosecutions demanded
The group is also demanding:
- A comprehensive forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions from the past five years.
- Publication of the names of those allegedly involved in the misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors.
- Clarification on a reported $400 million investment by Matrix Oil in the refinery, which the CSOs allege lacks transparency.
- Prosecution of Mele Kyari and other former or serving NNPCL executives if found culpable.
“Such fiscal mismanagement should have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving all national and international parties implicated in this debacle,” the group declared.
Allegations of economic sabotage
The CSOs were particularly scathing about the crude oil scandal, calling the reported misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil an act of “economic sabotage of the highest order.”
“It is an undeniable fact that Nigerians deserve to know who authorised such transfers, who the beneficiaries are, and why no arrests have been made to date,” the statement read.
Tinubu urged to act
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his initial reforms in the oil and gas sector, the CSOs urged him to go further by ensuring transparency, accountability, and swift punitive action against all those responsible.
“Nigerians will not tolerate another phase of misappropriation and concealment… This refinery debacle is not just a case of wasted funds; it is a national emergency that demands immediate and thorough redress,” the group stated.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly, and the Presidency were all called upon to act “swiftly and without delay.”
