By Abiola Olawale
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to account for N825 billion and $2.5 billion allegedly meant for refineries repairs and rehabilitation.
The SERAP also called on the NNPCL boss to render account to Nigerians for revenues that might have accrued to the organization.
The SERAP said its demand comes in the wake of concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in its 2021 annual report, which highlighted significant financial discrepancies involving “missing or unaccounted-for funds.”
SERAP also called on NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, to explain the whereabouts of these funds.
The organisation also called on Kyari to identify those suspected of being responsible for thus situation and ensure these individuals are handed over to anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution.
This was contained in a letter dated 4 January 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare,
The letter, read in part: “The grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international obligations.”
“The allegations have also undermined the economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty, and deprived them of opportunities.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the NNPCL to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“According to the recently published 2021 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N825 billion and USD$2.5 billion of public funds meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and repairs, and other oil revenues.”
“The Auditor-General fears that the money may be missing.”
SERAP also welcomed Kyari’s public invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour Nigeria’s refineries but emphasised the importance of involving the EFCC and ICPC to ensure transparency in refinery operations.
“We urge you to formally invite former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour Nigeria’s refineries and to extend your invitation to the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the operations of the refineries,” the letter stated, noting that this aligns with Nigeria’s Constitution and international anti-corruption commitments.”
