Led by their convener, Kabir Matazu, the protesters raised alarms over a slew of alleged financial irregularities and opaque transactions that reportedly occurred under Kyari’s leadership.
Abuja, Nigeria – A coalition under the banner of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption staged a protest on Tuesday at the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), demanding an immediate probe into the tenure of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
Led by their convener, Kabir Matazu, the protesters raised alarms over a slew of alleged financial irregularities and opaque transactions that reportedly occurred under Kyari’s leadership. The group specifically called for a comprehensive review of the NNPCL’s activities in the past five years, particularly highlighting what they described as questionable agreements and unaccounted expenditures on refinery rehabilitation projects.
One of the most controversial issues raised by the group is a reported $2 billion debt the NNPCL allegedly owes Matrix Energy Limited. According to the protesters, the debt is currently being repaid not in cash but through daily allocations of crude oil—an arrangement that has triggered questions about transparency and accountability.
“This situation raises urgent questions,” Matazu said. “Why is the Federal Government, through the NNPCL, indebted to Matrix Energy to the tune of $2 billion? Why are these debts being serviced with daily crude allocations without clear documentation or public disclosure? Nigerians deserve to know who negotiated these deals and why the terms are shrouded in secrecy.”
The group further expressed dismay that, despite President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Kyari and the NNPCL board on April 2, 2025, no investigative steps have followed to address the mounting allegations of corruption and mismanagement during Kyari’s administration.
“The removal of Kyari was applauded across the country,” Matazu noted. “However, Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned that no further action has been taken to investigate or prosecute those responsible for the alleged mismanagement of our national oil company.”
Allegations also surround the controversial rehabilitation and recommissioning of government-owned refineries. The group pointed out inconsistencies in the financial records, particularly regarding the Port Harcourt Refinery. While the Federal Executive Council had approved a $1.5 billion fund for its rehabilitation, Kyari’s administration reportedly claimed that Matrix Energy also invested $400 million in the same project, raising concerns over duplicate funding and lack of financial clarity.
“The figures simply don’t add up,” said Matazu. “Billions of dollars were reportedly spent on repairing refineries, but the output remains minimal. This reeks of corruption and demands a thorough investigation.”
The protestors stressed that holding past leaders accountable is not only crucial for recovering public funds but also essential for ensuring the credibility of the ongoing reform agenda in the oil sector. They called on the AGF to immediately initiate a judicial review of all agreements signed during Kyari’s tenure and to recommend legal and financial remedies where necessary.
They vowed to sustain pressure on the government until a transparent investigation is launched. “We remain committed to championing transparency in the management of public institutions,” the group declared. “This is not just about Mele Kyari; it’s about restoring public trust and ensuring that no official is above accountability.”
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