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The storm over the alleged multi-billion-dollar fraud in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has intensified as the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), joined by over 75 civil society organisations under the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), hailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting and interrogating former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

In a joint press statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the organisations described the EFCC’s action as a “long-awaited step in the right direction” that has rekindled hope in the fight against entrenched corruption in Nigeria’s most critical sector.

“We view this bold action as a long-awaited step in the right direction, especially given the gravity of allegations surrounding the multi-billion-dollar Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries, which have remained comatose despite billions of dollars purportedly expended under Kyari’s watch,” the groups stated.

According to them, the arrest and questioning of the former NNPCL boss is particularly significant because “the Nigerian people have endured decades of monumental fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the oil and gas sector, with the refineries representing the single most glaring example of elite corruption.” They stressed that “it is therefore heartening to see the EFCC rise to its constitutional responsibility by interrogating one of the key actors accused in these monumental scandals.”

The coalition insisted that the EFCC must not treat the matter as a media spectacle but must dig deep and prosecute anyone found guilty. “We categorically call for an uncompromised, thorough, and transparent investigation into the allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds, money laundering, and conspiracy linked to the former NNPCL boss and all collaborators within and outside the system. The ongoing probe must not be reduced to a mere public show but must result in the prosecution of all those found culpable, irrespective of their political or economic connections,” the statement warned.

The CNPP and CNCSOs did not mince words about the consequences of compromise in the case. “We wish to state clearly that if this investigation is compromised or derailed in any way, we will not hesitate to deploy all constitutional and legal instruments available to us, including public interest litigation, mass action, and sustained advocacy campaigns, to ensure that justice is not denied to the Nigerian people,” the groups declared.

In their view, any attempt to downplay the investigation or shield those involved would deal a devastating blow to public confidence. “We warn that any attempt to sweep this matter under the carpet will amount to a betrayal of public trust and a slap in the face of millions of citizens who continue to suffer from fuel import dependency, subsidy scams, and economic hardship caused by corruption in the oil and gas sector,” the joint statement stressed.

They underscored that the Kyari case is not only about one man but about proving that Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions have the backbone to hold powerful figures accountable. “This case must therefore serve as a litmus test for the EFCC under its present leadership and as a clear demonstration that no Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is above the law,” the groups declared firmly.

While applauding the EFCC’s first move, the CNPP and CNCSOs also issued a challenge for the commission to carry the process through to the very end. “In conclusion, the CNPP and the CNCSOs stand firmly with the Nigerian people in demanding accountability, transparency, and justice. We commend the EFCC for taking the right step and urge it to stay the course without fear or favour. The era of impunity must end, and the fight against corruption must be seen to be real, practical, and yielding tangible results,” the statement concluded.

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