By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has found N80 billion in bank accounts of a sacked managing director of a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) refinery. This is part of a probe into $2.96 billion meant for fixing Nigeria’s three major refineries.
The EFCC is looking into how $1.56 billion for Port Harcourt Refining Company, $740.67 million for Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, and $656.96 million for Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company were spent. The refineries still don’t work, despite the money.
The agency has arrested former managing directors, including Ibrahim Onoja of Port Harcourt and Efifia Chu of Warri, plus other top NNPCL officials. The EFCC is also questioning former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari and 13 others, like Abubakar Yar’Adua and Bala Wunti, about possible misuse of funds. A letter from April 28, 2025, asked NNPCL for records of their pay and allowances.
NNPCL recently fired the managing directors of the three refineries and other senior staff, including some close to retirement. NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, hasn’t commented.
