The anti-graft campaign around Nigeria’s dormant refineries has entered a decisive stage as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its investigation into the alleged mismanagement of multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation funds.
The Nation confirmed yesterday that the EFCC has compelled former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, to appear daily at its Abuja headquarters. The directive follows the interrogation of former refinery managing directors, contractors, and top NNPCL executives over the $2.5 billion allocated for turn-around maintenance (TAM).
Daily reporting order and bail conditions
Sources revealed that Kyari, who has denied any wrongdoing, was granted administrative bail but under strict conditions requiring daily appearances. Investigators are currently cross-checking disbursements, including $1.55 billion channelled to the Port Harcourt refinery, $740.6 million to Kaduna, and $656.9 million to Warri.
The EFCC has already restricted access to some of Kyari’s accounts while examining volumes of contracts and invoices. Insiders say the former GCEO’s testimony represents the “final lap” of the probe, which will determine the scope of charges to be filed.
Industry implications of refinery spending
Since 2010, more than $18 billion has reportedly been expended on Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries without tangible results. Analysts argue that persistent failure of TAM projects has not only drained public funds but also entrenched reliance on fuel imports, weakening Nigeria’s balance of trade and undermining domestic energy security.
The 2022 Warri “Quick Fix” contract to Daewoo, worth $497 million, and subsequent Kaduna renovation agreements have raised further scrutiny over cost escalation, project duplication, and contract performance.
Sujimoto CEO faces detention over N5.7bn contract
Parallel to the refinery case, the EFCC has secured a magistrate court remand order against Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd. He is accused of diverting N5.7 billion received as mobilisation for the Enugu State Government’s 22 Smart Green Schools project.
Investigators allege Ogundele abandoned the sites after shoddy starts, ignored official briefings, and vanished despite repeated invitations. The EFCC has frozen his accounts and is weighing forfeiture proceedings should he fail to refund the funds.
Broader accountability push
Sector observers say the twin cases highlight systemic lapses in Nigeria’s oil and infrastructure contracting processes—ranging from weak oversight to opaque procurement systems.
For the EFCC, these investigations present an opportunity to restore public confidence in accountability, while for government, they test the credibility of ongoing reforms in both the oil sector and infrastructure delivery.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the cases are active but declined further comment, stressing that findings will speak in court.