Nearly seven months after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began investigating alleged mismanagement at Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, no former executives have been arraigned, even though substantial funds have reportedly been recovered.
The investigation, launched in May, targeted top officials from the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries over claims that roughly $2.95 billion intended for maintenance was misappropriated.
This followed the dismissal of the refineries’ managing directors and other senior NNPC officials in April, including some close to retirement.
Breakdowns of the funds under scrutiny show $1.56 billion allocated to Port Harcourt, $740 million to Kaduna, and $657 million to Warri.
EFCC sources explained that the inquiry focuses on why billions spent on refinery upkeep failed to make the facilities operational. Allegations of contract inflation, over-invoicing, and suspicious payments have been cited as major factors behind the refineries’ underperformance.
Reports indicate that the EFCC has recovered over N5 billion and $10 million from officials and contractors linked to the case, with additional amounts of N10 billion and $13 million still being pursued. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede is reportedly taking personal charge of the investigation.
Despite these developments, there has been no official update on prosecutions.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments were unsuccessful.
Civil society groups have expressed concern over the delays, warning that prolonged silence could erode public confidence and allow suspects to tamper with evidence.
Debo Adeniran, National Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, said, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months. Continuous public scrutiny is essential to prevent these cases from dragging indefinitely.”
Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, described the slow pace as “a national disaster,” adding that those who compromised the economy continue to move freely.
He stressed that extended delays could undermine the integrity of the investigation and weaken potential prosecutions.
