Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has broken his silence after being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial improprieties linked to refinery rehabilitation funds.
Kyari, who was invited by the anti-graft agency earlier in the week, confirmed that he honoured the invitation and provided “all necessary clarifications” on issues relating to the $7.2 billion earmarked for Nigeria’s refinery turnaround projects.
Speaking through a statement on Friday, the ex-NNPC boss described his session with EFCC investigators as “cordial and professional,” stressing that he had nothing to hide.
“I have always maintained a commitment to transparency and accountability during my tenure as GMD of NNPC. My engagement with the EFCC was an opportunity to present facts and clear misconceptions. I cooperated fully and will continue to do so whenever called upon,” Kyari said.
He further dismissed speculations of wrongdoing, insisting that all transactions carried out under his watch followed due process and were in line with government approvals.
EFCC sources, however, confirmed that investigations into the disbursement of refinery funds and related contracts are ongoing, adding that no one has been cleared or indicted yet.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some Nigerians commending the anti-graft agency for probing past management of the oil sector, while others cautioned against what they called “media trials” before the conclusion of investigations.
Kyari, who left office earlier this year, is the latest in a series of former top oil officials to face EFCC scrutiny over the handling of multi-billion-dollar projects.
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