Serap Calls For Investigation Into Alleged Corruption At Nnpcl, Urges Tinubu To Take Action

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) calls on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the unlawful increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across its retail outlets. SERAP also urges the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate corruption and mismanagement allegations in the NNPCL, including the reported misuse of $300 million bailout funds received from the Federal Government in August 2024, as well as the $6 billion debt owed to suppliers. If there is sufficient evidence, the suspects involved in the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPCL should face prosecution, and any illicit gains must be fully recovered.

In a statement issued by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argues that the increase in petrol price violates constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights commitments. The group laments that the Nigerian people have been denied justice and the opportunity to understand why they continue to suffer the consequences of corruption in the oil sector. Rather than addressing the growing poverty and inequality in the country and holding the NNPCL accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, the government seems to be penalizing the vulnerable population.

The rise in petrol price has plunged impoverished citizens into further destitution. However, this increase is not inevitable; it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, and the impunity enjoyed by suspected perpetrators. The oil sector’s corruption, lack of transparency, and misappropriation of public funds to support NNPCL operations have paved the way for recurrent and unlawful petrol price hikes. Holding the NNPCL accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector will serve the best interests of the public.

SERAP expresses concern that the increase in petrol price is exacerbating the suffering of the less privileged. As the economic situation in Nigeria worsens, more people are being pushed into poverty due to the high cost of petrol. SERAP requests that the recommended measures be taken within 48 days of receiving or publishing the letter. Failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe will result in SERAP taking appropriate legal action to compel the government to comply in the public interest.