The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong warning, vowing to oust and prosecute the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, along with other top executives. This comes in the wake of the staggering N12 trillion allegedly expended on turn-around maintenance (TAM) for the nation’s ailing refineries.
A Senate Ad hoc Committee investigating the various TAM projects of Nigerian refineries articulated its stance during an interactive session with NNPCL management and other oil sector executives. The committee highlighted that despite over N12 trillion being allocated to TAM, the refineries remain non-operational. The committee emphasised records of over $592 million, €4.8 million, and £3.4 million spent between 2010 and 2023, yet the expected results have not materialised.
Several agencies, including NNPCL, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and their subsidiaries, were summoned to the session. However, their chief executive officers failed to appear, prompting the committee to threaten dismissals and legal action.
Senator Isa Jibrin, the committee’s chairman, expressed concerns over the substantial resources expended on non-functional refineries and demanded accountability for the apparent mismanagement. He insisted on uncovering the root causes of these financial leaks plaguing the system, deeming them unacceptable. Senator Jibrin stressed the committee’s readiness to demand refunds and terminate the appointments of all implicated chief executives.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi echoed the committee’s resolve, stipulating that representatives could not suffice in place of the absent chief executives. Similarly, Senator Sumaila Kawu emphasised the gravity of the committee’s mandate and warned of severe repercussions for neglecting their constitutional obligations.
Additionally, Senator Danjuma Goje emphasized the necessity for the chief executives’ direct involvement in addressing the committee’s inquiries and directed the agencies to submit the required documents before the stipulated deadline.
The agencies have until Tuesday to comply with the committee’s directive, failing which further action will be pursued to ensure accountability and transparency.
