EFCC Recovers ₦5 Billion, $10 Million From Refinery Maintenance Fraud

The EFCC has recovered ₦5 billion and $10 million from a refinery maintenance fraud investigation, with efforts underway to recover an additional billion and 13 million allegedly siphoned by contractors. The agency's chairman personally led the investigation, expressing dissatisfaction with the state of Nigeria's largely dormant refineries despite massive public spending over the past decade.

The Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt refineries have remained inactive, leading to heavy dependence on imported petroleum products. The EFCC is focusing on funds allocated to the refineries, including instances of contract inflation and questionable payments that have hindered their optimal functioning.

The agency is also investigating fresh allegations of contract inflation worth 40 million involving an NNPC official and a contractor. Charges may soon be filed against indicted officials as the EFCC continues its recovery efforts.