The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over ₦5 billion and $10 million from contractors and government officials implicated in large-scale fraud tied to the turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. The anti-graft agency is also pursuing an additional ₦10 billion and $13 million allegedly siphoned through inflated contracts, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has personally spearheaded the probe, driven by frustration over the persistent non-functionality of Nigeria’s four refineries despite billions of dollars allocated for their rehabilitation over decades. Investigations have revealed that funds, including $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna, and $656.9 million for Warri, were marred by fraudulent practices such as over-invoicing, contract inflation, and questionable payments, contributing to the refineries’ failure to operate optimally.
The probe has targeted former and serving officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as well as past management teams of the refineries, with several interrogated and facing potential prosecution. A senior EFCC source disclosed, “Investigators uncovered fraudulent dealings that have crippled the refineries. A total of $10 million and ₦5 billion have been recovered from suspects involved in over-invoicing and inflated payments, with more recoveries underway.” The agency is also investigating fresh allegations of $40 million in contract inflation involving NNPCL officials and contractors procuring equipment for the rehabilitation projects.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products has persisted due to the dormancy of these refineries, despite significant public expenditure. The EFCC’s efforts signal a renewed push to address entrenched corruption in the oil sector, with charges expected to be filed soon against some indicted officials. The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, was unavailable for comment, but a senior official confirmed the recoveries and ongoing investigations.
This development has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, as the nation seeks to restore its refineries and reduce dependence on fuel imports
