By: Manoah Kikekon
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| EFCC |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently sacked managing directors of Nigeria’s three major refineries Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna over an alleged $3 billion fraud linked to failed rehabilitation projects. Shockingly, N80 billion was discovered in the bank accounts of one of the dismissed executives.
Despite $2.95 billion allocated for repairs, Nigeria’s refineries remain in shambles. Investigations reveal: $1.5 billion for Port Harcourt Refinery (operating below 40% capacity), $897 million for Warri Refinery (shut down weeks after reopening), $740 million for Kaduna Refinery (still non-functional)
The EFCC’s probe has expanded to include Mele Kyari, former Group CEO of NNPC, alongside 13 other top executives. A leaked document confirms the anti-graft agency is scrutinizing their emoluments, allowances, and fund mismanagement.
Energy experts and industry insiders accuse NNPC of staging "charade" commissioning events to mislead Nigerians. Key revelations: Warri Refinery halted operations in January 2025 due to safety hazards. Port Harcourt Refinery** struggles at 37% capacity, failing to meet production targets. No fuel supply to marketers, forcing reliance on expensive private depots.
Kelvin Emmanuel, an energy analyst, blasted: “The refineries were never operational. The televised commissioning was a scam. $3 billion wasted, yet no results.”
As if the fraud wasn’t enough, Warri Refinery staff plan an indefinite strike from May 5, protesting poor pay and casualization. Meanwhile: PMAN laments zero petrol supply from the refineries. PETROAN demands a full investigation, admitting they were misled during inspections. Experts warn that Kaduna Refinery has no crude supply pipelines, making repairs pointless.
With billions stolen, refineries in disarray, and public trust shattered, Nigerians demand accountability. Will the EFCC’s probe lead to convictions, or will this become another forgotten scandal?