The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the EFCC and police, has flagged the passports of several contractors and officials—both past and serving—of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), to prevent them from fleeing the country amid a massive fraud investigation.
The probe focuses on the alleged misappropriation of nearly $3 billion meant for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. Some contractors were reportedly paid for incomplete or nonexistent work. Arrests have already been made, including sacked managing directors of the refineries.
A document from the EFCC dated April 28, 2025, lists 14 former senior executives—among them ex-GCEO Mele Kyari—under investigation for abuse of office and financial misconduct. The EFCC has requested records of their emoluments and allowances.
Despite previous claims of refinery progress, operations have stalled, raising suspicions of systemic corruption. The President has reportedly ordered a no-tolerance approach to ensure accountability.
