JODER calls for independent probe into NNPC, World Bank corruption allegations


A pro-democracy group, Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent Judicial Panel of Enquiry to investigate allegations of high-level corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPC) and World Bank operations in Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday signed by Akinwale Kasali, JODER’s official, the group expressed concern over the weight of illicit practices linked to the NNPC and World Bank operations, which have further damaged Nigeria’s global reputation.

JODER recommended that the Judicial Panel of Enquiry include credible Nigerians like Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

The group referenced revelations made by the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, that Nigerian World Bank officials take 40 per cent from all loans obtained by Nigeria, and that some National Assembly members demand and receive bribes from loans collected on behalf of Nigerians.

JODER also referenced the Chairman of Dangote Refinery’s statement that NNPC officials have set up refineries in Malta, stifling oil and gas production and destroying indigenous growth in the industry.

The group described these revelations as the “biggest scam in African recent history” and called for the immediate suspension of NNPC officials and the World Bank representative in Nigeria pending the outcome of the investigation.

JODER noted that a probe is necessary for Nigeria to regain its lost reputation on the global map and to give hope to a despairing population.

He said: “The first action we expect from President Tinubu is to suspend NNPC officials whose names have been associated with the scam. The NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed should be suspended immediately.

“The Federal Government should also demand immediate suspension of the World Bank representative in Nigeria pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The revelations by the Minister and Dangote have brutally shaken the faith of Nigerians beyond measure raising the fear that redemption is impossible. The President needs to give hope to a despairing population that seems to have resigned to hopelessness and frustration.

“These two issues of high level corruption must never be swept under the carpet. A probe is what is necessary for Nigeria to regain a bit of her totally lost reputation on the global map,.

‘With these revelations, it shows clearly that World Bank loan is a big scam, a conscious plot to stunt Nigeria’s search for economic freedom.

“ It shows the loans largely go into private pockets. Little wonder Nigerian Government Officials are desperate to seek loans all the time, which the National Assembly is always anxious to approve, but not for development but to largely oil the pockets of private individuals.”

Join Our Channels