The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has expressed concern over recurring allegations of corruption, opacity and weak accountability mechanisms that have continued to trail the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of its Chairman, Debo Adeniran, CACOL said reports alleging that more than N210 trillion remained unaccounted for in NNPC activities between 2017 and 2023, as well as concerns over the alleged repeated failure of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, to appear before the relevant Senate committee, deserve urgent attention.
“Of particular concern are reports surrounding allegations of over N210 trillion in unaccounted funds linked to activities within the period of 2017 to 2023 and concerns raised over the repeated non-appearance of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, before the relevant Senate Committee to provide explanations and clarifications regarding issues under legislative review,” the statement said.
According to CACOL, allegations of such magnitude should not be ignored or treated with indifference.
“We believe that allegations of this magnitude cannot be ignored or treated with indifference. Public institutions entrusted with managing national resources must remain answerable to the Nigerian people through lawful and transparent processes.
“Accountability is not optional in a democratic society; it is a constitutional and moral obligation,” the organisation stated.
CACOL therefore called on anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute any individual found culpable in accordance with the law.
The organisation stressed that no individual, regardless of status or previous office held, should be exempt from scrutiny.
It also urged Kyari to honour all legitimate invitations by oversight authorities and provide necessary clarifications to address public concerns and strengthen confidence in public institutions.
“Refusal or continued failure to engage with lawful oversight processes only deepens public suspicion and undermines trust in governance,” CACOL said.
The anti-corruption group noted that Nigeria cannot afford to continue losing public resources to alleged corruption and financial leakages while millions of citizens grapple with economic hardship, unemployment and declining social services.
It described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development, investment growth and equitable distribution of resources.
CACOL warned that failure to transparently investigate allegations of corruption and impose consequences where wrongdoing is established could undermine economic and social progress, weaken investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
The organisation called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies and other relevant institutions to demonstrate independence, transparency and commitment in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice.
“The era of impunity must end. Nigeria’s resources must work for Nigerians,” the statement added.
