Lawyers Petition EFCC Over $4bn Refinery Funds Under Kyari

By Diafa Doubra,

More than 500 lawyers, civil rights activists, and professionals have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding a probe into the $4 billion reportedly spent on Nigeria’s moribund refineries during the tenure of Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The petitioners argued that despite the huge funds allocated for rehabilitation, the country’s refineries remain comatose, forcing Nigeria to continue heavy fuel importation. They insisted that the expenditure lacked transparency and accountability, describing it as one of the biggest economic scandals in recent times.

The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate political will by ensuring that the EFCC thoroughly investigates the matter, noting that it would serve as a litmus test for his administration’s anti-corruption drive.

They warned that failure to act decisively could deepen public mistrust and further weaken confidence in government institutions.