EFCC grills Mele Kyari over refinery fund
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the controversial $7.2 billion refinery rehabilitation fund.
According to reliable sources, Kyari was invited by the anti-graft agency to explain how the multi-billion-dollar funds allocated for the revamp of Nigeria’s refineries were utilized. The interrogation is part of a broader investigation into alleged mismanagement, diversion of funds, and irregularities in the rehabilitation projects.
The refinery fund was earmarked to restore the country’s major refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to optimal capacity. However, years after the release of the funds, none of the refineries have resumed full operations, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
The EFCC is reported to be scrutinizing contract approvals, payment records, and the roles of key officials involved in the project. Kyari, who stepped down as NNPCL boss earlier this year, is expected to provide detailed clarifications on the status of the funds and the projects they were meant to finance.
This development has attracted nationwide attention as Nigerians continue to face rising fuel import costs and lingering doubts about the government’s commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency.
