LAWYERS, CSOs STORM NNPCL WITH FOI REQUESTS ON MELEE KYARI TENURE 30-04-25
By Sadiq Aminu A coalition of lawyers and civil society organisations (CSOs) has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), seeking full disclosure on the status of refineries refurbished during the tenure of Mele Kyari, the former group chief executive officer.
Leading the coalition, Concerned Citizens Against Corruption demanded transparency and accountability regarding the reported expenditure of $4 billion on refinery repairs.
Led by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel, the group alleged inflation of refineries rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds, and other questionable practices during Kyari’s tenure from July 2019 to April 2025.
The FOI request seeks specific details on payments to consultants and contractors, crude oil allocations, budgetary provisions for the AKK Pipeline Project, documentation on gasoline imports, and information on crude-backed loans and oil exploration activities.
The group emphasised the need for accountability and restoring public trust in NNPCL’s operations.
They urged the NNPCL to provide the requested information within the stipulated timeframe under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We are concerned about the growing reports of monumental Inflation of the Refineries Rehabilitation Contracts with allegations that the costs of refurbishing the refineries were significantly inflated, Fraudulent Allocation and Mismanagement of Crude Oil Proceeds, Misappropriation of Funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, Fuel Subsidy Fraud, Value Review for NNPCL’s Crude-Backed Loans, and Fraudulent Oil Exploration Activities that have yielded no benefits to the nation,” the letter signed by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel said.
“Our findings, supported by reliable intelligence, suggest a pattern of institutionalising these questionable practices during Mallam Kyari’s tenure. As an organisation of law-abiding Nigerians affected by these identified issues, we require information to seek judicial intervention.
“Consequently, we require the following information from July 1, 2019, to April 29, 2025: Specific details of payments to consultants and contractors, work scopes, and the justification for payments for the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries.
“Information regarding crude oil allocations and financial transactions under the guise of pipeline security payments. Details of the budgetary provisions, foreign financing arrangements, and physical progress of the AKK Pipeline Project.
“Documentation includes ship records, bills of lading, and discharge certificates for gasoline imports during the period. Information regarding the structure, terms, and purposes of crude-backed loans taken from 2019 to date.
“Documentation and feasibility outcomes of oil exploration activities in Gombe, Bauchi, Ogun, and Nasarawa states. Given the gravity of the allegations that necessitated this request, it is imperative that the NNPCL provides full transparency on the expenditures and activities undertaken during Mallam Kyari’s tenure”.