EFCC Probes Refinery Rehabilitation Funds: Ex-NNPCL Officials and Sacked MDs Under Investigation for $2.96 Billion Misappropriation

Editor 3 weeks agoLast Updated: May 3, 2025

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By MOHAMMED DANBABA

Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna Refineries at Center of Major Financial Scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a sweeping investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.96 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s key refineries — Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that former top executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and recently dismissed managing directors of the affected refineries are under intense scrutiny. The funds were allocated for the short-term maintenance and operational revival of the long-dormant facilities.

Breakdown of Funds Under Investigation

Preliminary EFCC findings have zeroed in on the disbursement of billions of dollars, including:

$1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery
$740 million for the Kaduna Refinery
$657 million for the Warri Refinery

These amounts were reportedly channeled over recent years in a bid to restore operations at Nigeria’s aging state-owned refineries, which have failed to produce refined petroleum despite repeated rehabilitation promises.

Top Officials Arrested as Probe Intensifies

Among those already detained are Ibrahim Onoja, former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, and Efifia Chu, former MD of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company. One of the suspects has reportedly been held in EFCC custody for over a week after investigators allegedly uncovered large sums of money in his personal bank accounts.

A senior EFCC official, speaking anonymously, noted that the case is expanding and could surpass the scale of the infamous “Emefielegate” — a reference to the high-profile corruption case involving former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.

NNPCL Asked to Submit Detailed Financial Records

To aid its investigation, the EFCC has formally requested comprehensive financial documentation from the NNPCL, including detailed records of:

Fund disbursements
Project execution timelines
Emoluments and allowances paid to refinery executives
Contracts awarded under the refinery rehabilitation initiative

The commission’s forensic audit team is reportedly cross-referencing these records with independent contractor reports and on-site inspections.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

This latest corruption probe has reignited public outrage over persistent inefficiencies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly regarding the non-functional state refineries that continue to drain billions in public funds.

Civil society organizations have called for:

Full publication of project performance reviews
Independent audits of all NNPCL contracts since 2020
Prosecution of all indicted officials, regardless of rank

Policy experts say the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Nigeria’s planned transition to private-sector-led refining, including ongoing investments in modular refineries and the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery.

EFCC Yet to Issue Official Statement

As of press time, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment. However, insiders indicate that a press briefing may be scheduled soon as the investigation unfolds and arrests continue.

This development comes amid increasing pressure on the Bola Tinubu-led administration to crack down on entrenched corruption and ensure greater transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

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