The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into alleged misappropriation of approximately $2.96 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s major refineries-Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. The probe targets former senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including former Group Managing Directors Mele Kyari and Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua.
The investigation was revealed in a letter dated April 28, 2025, addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPC Towers in Abuja. The EFCC is scrutinizing the disbursement and utilization of funds allocated as follows:
- $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery
- $740 million for the Kaduna refinery
- $657 million for the Warri refinery
List of Individuals Under Investigation
- Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua
- Mele Kolo Kyari
- Isiaka Abdulrazak
- Umar Ajiyap
- Dikko Ahmed
- Ibrahim Onoja
- Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili
- Mustapha Magaji Sugungun
- Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo
- Efiok Michael Akpan
- Babatunde Bakare
- Jimoh Olasunkanmi
- Bello Kankaya
- Desmond Inyama
The EFCC’s probe aims to determine whether the funds were properly utilized for the intended rehabilitation projects or if there was any financial misconduct or abuse of office.
Background and Implications
The Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries are critical assets in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and their rehabilitation has been a priority to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependency on imported refined petroleum products. Allegations of fund mismanagement in such high-profile projects raise serious concerns about governance and transparency within the NNPCL.
This investigation underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources, especially in the vital energy sector.
The EFCC’s findings could lead to prosecutions and reforms aimed at improving oversight and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s refinery operations.
