A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the banner of the National Transparency Network has called for a full-scale investigation into the financial dealings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) during the tenure of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, the group expressed outrage over what they described as “reckless expenditure” of $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2, which remain non-functional despite claims of “mechanical completion.” The CSOs are demanding the establishment of a Special Commission of Inquiry to probe the project and other financial activities under Kyari’s leadership.
Dr. Fabian Opialu, the National Coordinator of the group, accused the Kyari-led NNPCL administration of gross mismanagement, lack of accountability, and misleading the public. He questioned the unexplained abandonment of the original plan to rehabilitate two refineries and raised alarms over the whereabouts of the funds.
“This $1.5 billion is equivalent to the annual budgets of some African countries,” Opialu stated. “Yet, the refinery remains inactive. Nigerians deserve answers—who spent this money, how was it spent, and where are the results?”
The group also demanded a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions over the past five years, publication of the identities of those involved in the alleged misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors, and a detailed report on the Port Harcourt refinery expenditures.
Another point of concern raised was a $400 million investment by Matrix Oil into the refinery rehabilitation, which the CSOs say lacks transparency and clear terms that benefit Nigeria. They called for scrutiny of this arrangement as part of a broader investigation.
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The CSOs are urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly, and the Presidency to take swift action in prosecuting those responsible for what they termed “economic sabotage of the highest order.” They also called for a legislative oversight hearing to impose stringent transparency requirements on the newly appointed NNPCL board.
While expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, the coalition stressed that reform without accountability is ineffective.
“This is a national emergency,” the group declared. “The refinery project is not just a case of wasted funds—it’s a blatant disregard for public trust and economic sovereignty. The silence surrounding these issues emboldens corruption.”
The CSOs have pledged to continue pushing for answers and urged the media and general public to amplify their demands.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy depends on rooting out the entrenched culture of impunity. Nigerians must no longer tolerate concealment and misappropriation of national resources,” the statement added.
