HURIWA Slams EFCC, ICPC, Presidency Over Alleged NNPCL Spending Irregularities

A prominent civil society organisation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has strongly criticised Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and political leadership over what it describes as inaction on alleged financial mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group expressed outrage over reports that more than $2.4 billion was spent on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries without visible results.

HURIWA described the situation as a “national embarrassment,” questioning why no officials have been investigated or prosecuted over the expenditure.

The group specifically faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), accusing both agencies of failing to carry out their mandate.

It also criticised the National Assembly of Nigeria, alleging that ongoing probes into the refinery projects have yielded no concrete outcomes.

HURIWA further directed its concerns at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the presidency of remaining silent in the face of what it called a major financial scandal.

According to the group, the lack of accountability raises concerns about transparency in the management of public funds, particularly in the oil sector.

The association warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in key institutions and deepen concerns about governance and oversight.

HURIWA also questioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s recent moves to enter new agreements with foreign partners, describing them as potentially ineffective without first addressing accountability issues.

However, the group commended businessman Aliko Dangote for publicly raising concerns about inefficiencies in the oil sector.

HURIWA called for:

• The investigation and prosecution of officials linked to refinery rehabilitation projects
• A forensic audit of funds spent on refinery maintenance
• Public disclosure of contracts and contractors involved
• Reforms within anti-corruption agencies

Greater accountability in legislative oversight processes

The group concluded by urging the government to take decisive action to address what it described as a culture of impunity in public institutions.