The anti-graft agency in Nigeria has recovered approximately N9.4 billion and $21.2 million in a significant investigation into corruption within the oil sector, specifically concerning the management of $2.79 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The probe focuses on allegations of criminal conspiracy, trust breach, diversion of public funds, economic sabotage, and money laundering, implicating officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), including past managing directors and major contractors like Daewoo Engineering Nigeria and Tecnimont SPA.

Despite the large funds spent on refinery repairs—about $2.79 billion in total with significant portions for each refinery investigators found insufficient evidence of operational improvements, suggesting that much of the funding was misappropriated or fraudulently disbursed. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained several high-ranking officials, interrogated over 80 employees from NNPCL and contracting firms, and examined procurement processes and financial records.

Two specific cases emerged against senior officials Ahmed Dikko, former managing director of the Port Harcourt refinery, and Jimoh Yisawu, associated with the Warri refinery. Both are accused of approval violations leading to substantial financial losses and improper payments to contractors. The EFCC has obtained interim forfeiture orders on assets linked to these individuals and is preparing criminal charges.

Despite extensive financial input into the rehabilitation programs, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries have underperformed for years, with operational inefficiencies persisting. The Warri refinery resumed operations briefly in late 2024 before shutting down, while the Port Harcourt refinery underwent maintenance in mid-2025. The NNPCL announced plans for technical reviews and partnerships to enhance refinery functionalities, although specifics of recent agreements with Chinese firms remain undisclosed. Ongoing investigations may lead to further recoveries and criminal prosecutions as more evidence is revealed.