The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the managing directors of Nigeria’s three major refineries – Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company – over alleged mismanagement of approximately $2.96 billion allocated for refinery rehabilitation.
- Port Harcourt Refining Company: $1.559 billion allocated for rehabilitation
- Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company: $740.7 million allocated.
- Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company: $656.9 million allocated.
The EFCC investigation uncovered N80 billion in one of the sacked MDs’ bank accounts, sparking questions about the whereabouts of the funds. The arrested MDs include:
Also Read: NNPCL Sacks MDs of Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna Refineries
- Ibrahim Onoja: Ex-Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company
- Efifia Chu: Ex-Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company
The EFCC probe has expanded to include 14 senior ex-NNPCL officials, including former Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, over allegations of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds. Other officials under investigation include: Abubakar Yar’Adua; Isiaka Abdulrazak; Umar Ajiya; Dikko Ahmed; Ademoye Jelili; Mustapha Sugungun; Kayode Adetokunbo; Efiok Akpan; Babatunde Bakare; Jimoh Olasunkanmi; Bello Kankaya; Desmond Inyama.
The investigation raises concerns about Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation program, with billions spent but little to show in operational capacity.
The public has been critical of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for misleading claims about refinery operations.
