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Group Demands Probe of Mele Kyari Over $1.5 Billion Port Harcourt Refinery Expenditure, Other Financial Scandals

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

Group Calls for Probe of Mele Kyari Over $1.5 Billion Port Harcourt Refinery Spending, Other Allegations

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.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

22 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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