Refinery repairs: Lawyers, CSOs storm NNPCL with FOI requests on Mele Kyari's tenure

Refinery repairs: Lawyers, CSOs storm NNPCL with FOI requests on Mele Kyari's tenure

A coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations has initiated a Freedom of Information request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, demanding transparency regarding the $4 billion spent on refinery refurbishments during the tenure of former CEO Mele Kyari. This legal action stems from serious allegations of contract inflation, fund misappropriation, and fraudulent financial practices that have eroded public trust in the corporation’s operations. The group seeks detailed records on contractor payments, crude oil allocations, and pipeline projects to uncover potential corruption. By demanding specific documentation on gasoline imports and crude-backed loans, activists aim to expose patterns of institutionalized questionable practices. Their goal is to gather sufficient evidence to justify judicial intervention and ensure that public funds are managed with accountability and integrity. This initiative is crucial for open data advocacy because it highlights how citizen-led information requests serve as vital mechanisms for holding state-owned enterprises accountable. It demonstrates the practical application of transparency laws to combat corruption and restore faith in public institutions. The case underscores the necessity of accessible, verifiable data in preventing financial misconduct and ensuring that governmental resources benefit the nation rather than private interests.

Source: dailypost.ng
Published on 2025-04-30