— Lawyers, CSOs File FOI Request to NNPCL, Alleging Fraud, Mismanagement
A coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), demanding comprehensive details on refinery rehabilitation projects and other financial dealings under the leadership of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The group, operating under the banner Concerned Citizens Against Corruption and led by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel, submitted the request on Tuesday, citing widespread allegations of inflated contracts, misappropriation of crude oil proceeds, and questionable transactions during Kyari’s tenure from July 2019 to April 2025.
According to findings, the coalition has also lodged formal petitions with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for a full investigation into Kyari’s management of the oil industry.
At the heart of the controversy is the reported expenditure of $4 billion on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The coalition is seeking details on payments to consultants and contractors, project scopes, and justification for the massive spending.
Other issues flagged in the FOI request include:
Crude oil allocations and transactions related to pipeline security payments
Budgetary allocations and foreign financing of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project
Ship records and discharge certificates for gasoline imports
Terms and structures of crude-backed loans
Feasibility studies and outcomes of oil exploration in Gombe, Bauchi, Ogun, and Nasarawa states
In their statement, the group asserted:
“Our findings, supported by reliable intelligence, suggest a disturbing pattern of institutionalized corruption during Mallam Kyari’s tenure. We demand accountability and transparency in the interest of the Nigerian people.”
They urged the NNPCL to comply with the FOI Act by responding within the legally stipulated timeframe, emphasizing that the information will aid judicial intervention and help restore public confidence in the corporation’s operations.
The request marks an escalating call for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector, with stakeholders warning that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust.
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