By Joel Ajayi
A coalition of concerned civil society organizations and patriotic citizens under the banner of the Group for Transparency and Accountability has called for a thorough investigation into the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari. The group raised serious allegations of reckless spending and financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the $1.5 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2.
During a press conference held on Wednesday in Abuja, the group’s convener, Amb. Michael Omoba, described Kyari’s dismissal as a welcome development and a timely intervention for Nigeria’s oil sector.
“While we commend President Tinubu for this bold and decisive action, we believe it is critical to ensure that the past leadership is held accountable,” Omoba stated. “There must be a full-scale investigation into the monumental financial irregularities that have plagued the NNPCL over the last five years.”
He emphasized that the dismissal of Kyari is “long overdue,” adding that the institution had been operating like an opaque and unaccountable cabal. According to Omoba, Nigerians are justifiably outraged and deserve answers, particularly regarding the controversial $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt Refineries.
“Nigerians were made to believe that this money, approved in 2021 by the Buhari-led administration, would be used for a comprehensive rehabilitation of both refineries. Shockingly, not only was the entire amount expended on just one refinery, but that refinery remains non-functional, failing to meet even minimal industrial standards,” he noted.
Omoba questioned the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the project, calling it “fiscal mismanagement” that ought to have triggered a criminal investigation both locally and internationally.
“Even after a misleading announcement of ‘mechanical completion,’ the Port Harcourt refinery has yet to deliver any refined product. We ask: where did the funds go? Who are the contractors? Can we see the audit trails?” he asked.
He also raised alarm over the unresolved scandal involving the alleged disappearance or misallocation of over 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors.
“This isn’t just mismanagement; it’s economic sabotage of the highest order. Who approved these transfers? Who benefited from them? Why has no one been arrested?” Omoba queried.
Further raising concerns, Omoba referenced the controversial arrangement between NNPCL and Matrix Oil, citing an alleged $400 million investment in the ongoing refinery rehabilitation.
“There are numerous unanswered questions: Under what financial frameworks was this contribution made? What are the terms—repayment or equity ownership? Did the deal comply with the Procurement Act? Was due process followed? What has Nigeria gained or lost from this partnership?” he asked.
He concluded by stating that the NNPCL’s situation reflects a deeper systemic issue that must be addressed for Nigeria to realize its economic potential.
“The $1.5 billion refinery debacle is not just about wasted funds—it’s a national emergency that demands immediate and thorough redress,” Omoba declared.
The group issued several demands:
The immediate constitution of a Special Commission of Inquiry to investigate all financial activities of the NNPCL over the past five years under Kyari’s leadership.
A forensic audit of all NNPCL transactions during the period.
Public disclosure of individuals or entities that benefited from the alleged allocation of over 80 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors.
A comprehensive breakdown and report detailing how the $1.5 billion was spent on the Port Harcourt refinery.
The interrogation and possible prosecution of Mele Kyari, dismissed board members, and other NNPCL officials found culpable.
A legislative oversight hearing to ensure the new NNPCL board adheres to the highest standards of transparency.
The group concluded by calling on the EFCC, National Assembly, and the Presidency to act swiftly and decisively.
