A coalition of civil society organizations and concerned citizens, under the umbrella of The Situation Room on Transparency and Accountability, has called for a full-scale investigation into the financial dealings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) during the tenure of its recently dismissed Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, the coalition described the dismissal of Kyari by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “decisive and overdue” move. However, they emphasized that removing Kyari was merely the first step in addressing what they termed “monumental financial misappropriation” under his leadership.
The primary concern raised by the coalition centered around the $1.5 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries under the Buhari administration in 2021. According to the Situation Room, not only was this vast sum spent on just one refinery, but the facility remains non-functional, raising questions about the entire process.
“Where did the money go? Why was the plan to rehabilitate two refineries abandoned without explanation? Who are the contractors? Where is the audit report?” the coalition queried.
Despite reports of “mechanical completion,” the refinery has yet to deliver any refined products, leading the coalition to demand a forensic audit into the spending and publication of all relevant financial documents.
Another explosive allegation presented by the group involved the disappearance of over 89 million barrels of crude oil, allegedly transferred to non-state actors without accountability. They described this as “economic sabotage of the highest order,” and demanded to know who authorized such transfers and why no arrests have been made.
In addition, they raised alarm over a purported $400 million investment by Matrix Oil in the refinery rehabilitation project. According to the coalition, details of this partnership remain murky, with no clarity on ownership structure, repayment terms, or adherence to procurement laws.
The Situation Room is now demanding the immediate establishment of a Special Commission of Inquiry empowered to investigate NNPCL’s financial activities over the past five years.
The group outlined several specific demands, including: A forensic audit of all NNPCL transactions within the last five years, Public disclosure of beneficiaries of the allegedly diverted 89 million barrels of crude oil, A full report on the $1.5 billion refinery spending
Prosecution of Mele Kyari, board members, and other implicated officials, Oversight hearings by the National Assembly on NNPCL’s operations Support for President Tinubu’s Reforms
While making these demands, the coalition expressed support for President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, describing his efforts as “heroic” but insisting that without accountability, reforms would be “merely cosmetic.”
They also urged the new GCEO of NNPCL, Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari, to operate with full transparency and reinstate the suspended “Naira-for-Crude” policy, which they believe could stabilize the exchange rate and support local industries if properly implemented.
Ambassador Michael Omoba, the convener of the coalition, concluded by warning that Nigerians will no longer tolerate impunity in the management of national resources.
“The era of impunity is over,” he declared. “The NNPCL cannot continue to operate like a private empire shielded from public scrutiny. We urge the EFCC, National Assembly, and the Presidency to act without delay. This must be the last time such flagrant abuse is allowed to happen.”
The coalition appealed to the media and citizens to remain vigilant and maintain pressure to ensure accountability, insisting that only a united front can save Nigeria from the clutches of entrenched corruption.
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