Says six months enough to disclose recoveries from Kyari
The Concerned Nigerians for Transparency and Justice (CNTJ), a civil society coalition, has pressed on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to release a public interim report on the investigation into the alleged $4 billion fraud linked to the failed rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries under former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The group argues that six months is sufficient for Nigerians to be informed about the progress of the probe and any funds recovered.
In an open letter to the EFCC chairman, signed by Comr. Obinna Francis and Adamu Musa, the group underscored the urgency of transparency amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The open letter highlights public outrage over the refineries’ failure to produce fuel despite Kyari’s high-profile commissioning ceremonies, which promised an end to fuel imports.
CNTJ points to the severe economic implications of the alleged mismanagement, noting that the $4 billion—equivalent to trillions of naira—could have funded critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The coalition’s demand for clarity comes as Nigerians grapple with soaring fuel prices and inflation, exacerbated by the refineries’ continued dormancy.
A particularly explosive allegation in the letter claims that $1 billion of the funds was diverted to finance the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 election campaign, potentially violating the Electoral Act 2022.
CNTJ insists that the EFCC must address this and other questions about the remaining $3 billion, including who authorized disbursements and whether funds were laundered through associates.
In the letter, CNTJ states, “We write as a civic coalition deeply invested in promoting accountability and protecting public resources. Corruption, when left unchecked, undermines democracy and impoverishes millions of Nigerians.”
It further notes, “Kyari’s dismissal was linked to public outcry over the alleged embezzlement of $4 billion, with the refineries remaining idle despite promises of restored functionality, leaving citizens questioning where the money went.”
The coalition’s open letter praises the EFCC’s initial actions, including summoning Kyari for questioning and engaging other implicated parties.
However, it stresses that Nigerians deserve a detailed update on the investigation’s progress to maintain trust in the anti-corruption agency.
The letter positions the probe as a critical test of the EFCC’s commitment to accountability, especially given its recent handling of high-profile cases like that of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
CNTJ argues that the $4 billion fraud is not an abstract issue but a direct contributor to Nigeria’s economic woes, with the Minister of Finance admitting struggles to fund the national budget.
The missing funds, the group contends, could have alleviated hardships like tripled transport fares and record-high food prices, which have left families struggling.
The letter emphasizes, “The controversy over the refinery rehabilitation fund cuts to the heart of Nigeria’s current economic crisis. At current exchange rates, the missing $4 billion translates into several trillions of naira—enough to finance substantial portions of the federal budget, pay down debts, and provide direct relief to millions of suffering families.”
It adds, “The situation is doubly tragic because it compounds the hardships already facing ordinary Nigerians.”
The group further alleges, “Our findings bring to light a troubling allegation: that $1 billion from the refinery funds was diverted to finance the 2023 campaign of the APC. If true, this represents not only misappropriation but also a violation of the Electoral Act 2022.”
It questions, “If $1 billion went into campaign activities, then Nigerians must be told: what became of the remaining $3 billion? Who authorised such disbursements? Into whose accounts were these sums transferred?”
CNTJ warns that failure to provide clarity risks eroding public confidence in governance, particularly at a time when Nigerians are bearing the brunt of economic mismanagement.
CNTJ demands, “We urge the EFCC to release an interim report, or at least a detailed public briefing, outlining the findings to date. Such a report should clarify how much of the $4 billion was disbursed, who received it, and what results have been achieved.”
It further insists, “Where credible evidence exists, Mr. Kyari and his collaborators should be charged to court without delay. Particular attention should be given to tracing the alleged $1 billion campaign donation and the other $3 billion in question.”