The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, to provide a detailed account of the alleged missing ₦825 billion and $2.5 billion intended for refinery rehabilitation and other oil revenues. This demand follows troubling findings in the 2021 annual report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on November 27, 2024.
SERAP urged Kyari to identify and hand over individuals implicated in the mismanagement of these funds to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The organization also requested that Kyari formally invite former President Olusegun Obasanjo to inspect Nigeria’s refineries and involve anti-graft agencies in monitoring operations and expenditures, particularly at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In a letter dated January 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP welcomed NNPCL’s public invitation to Obasanjo to tour the refineries. They emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that the invitation is consistent with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.
The allegations raised by the Auditor-General suggest a serious breach of public trust and a violation of national anti-corruption laws, undermining economic development and trapping many Nigerians in poverty.
SERAP has requested a response to their demands within seven days, warning that failure to do so may result in legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.
