A group of lawyers submitted a petition to the Minister of Finance today, demanding a judicial commission of inquiry into the tenure of Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The lawyers under the aegis of the Guardian of Democracy And Rule Of Law alleged that Kyari’s leadership was marked by monumental corruption, tax evasion, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, particularly in the spending of over $4 billion on refineries repairs.

Led by Barrister Benjamin Theophilus, they claimed that the amount spent on refineries repairs was inflated, citing a proposal by a consortium of private sector firms to repair the three refineries for about $1 billion.

The petition highlighted several areas of concern, including fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, fuel subsidy fraud, and value review for NNPCL’s crude-backed loans.

“Mele Kyari is alleged to have collaborated with certain consultants and contractors involved in the refineries rehabilitation projects to conceal the actual cost of the contracts and evade taxes due to the Federal Government,” the petition stated.

“Seven years ago, there was a proposal by a consortium of private sector firms to repair the 3 refineries, with a total capacity of 445 kbpd (thousand barrels per day) for about $1 billion.

“NNPCL under Mele Kyari has expended $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refinery, $1.5 billion on the Warri Refinery and $1 billion on the Kaduna Refinery bringing the total of what Kyari spent on the refineries to more than $4 billion as opposed to the $1 billion that the consortium has requested for all the refineries.

“Even after expending these inflated sums, the refineries are unable to produce gasoline without using large quantities of chemicals from Indorama. This is a monumental project cost inflation as about $500 million is sufficient to build a brand new simple 600 kbpd refinery that will operate at a better efficiency.

“There is credible information that crude oil allocations were diverted, and financial transactions were carried out under the guise of ‘pipeline security’ at a suspicious rate of 80,000 barrels per day, with no transparent process or accountability mechanism.

“The AKK Pipeline Project, initially valued at $5 billion has been riddled with irregularities in the award and execution of contracts. Despite several budgetary provisions and foreign financing arrangements, there is little physical progress or transparency in fund utilization.

“There have been repeated allegations of fraud tied to the payment of fuel subsidy. It is instructive to note that while the rest of the world witnessed a decline in fuel consumption in 2020 due to COVID, NNPCL increased its imports of petroleum products during the same period.

“Under Mele Kyari, NNPCL took various crude-backed loans which hit $21.565 billion since 2019. Aside from mortgaging future production, the structure of these loans disadvantage Nigeria as upside from trading Nigeria’s crude in the international market was ceded to traders. “

The lawyers demanded a thorough investigation into Kyari’s tenure and the recovery of public funds if found to have been misappropriated.

They also called for collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to probe suspected tax evasion and fraudulent declarations.

The lawyers emphasized that the demand for a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the NNPCL in the last five years is non-negotiable, and expected the Commission to be populated by Nigerians of impeccable character led by former justices of the Supreme Court.

The petition was submitted after a protest by the group of lawyers, who are demanding justice and transparency in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for what it described as its “critical and patriotic role” in steering the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a law many now consider the nation’s saving grace in the oil and gas sector.

In a statement on Saturday, Vivian Okorafor, President of the forum, said the passage of the PIA would have meant little without the “visionary, competent and firm regulatory leadership” demonstrated by the NUPRC under the stewardship of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

“The PIA was a monumental achievement, but the real success story is what followed. Without the solid and transparent enforcement of the law by NUPRC, we would still be grappling with regulatory uncertainties, capital flight, and investor distrust. Today, because of strong leadership at the NUPRC, Nigeria’s upstream sector has regained the confidence of both local and international investors,” the statement reads.

The forum praised Komolafe for fostering an environment where regulation has become a catalyst for growth rather than a bureaucratic stumbling block.

It noted that since the NUPRC took charge of the PIA implementation, key investment indicators in the sector have moved in a positive direction.

“In the past, regulatory opacity drained our oil industry of investments. But the NUPRC under Engr. Komolafe has reversed that trend. Transparent bid rounds, clear licensing processes, streamlined procedures — these have restored faith in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and placed us on a competitive global footing once again,” Okorafor said.

She also highlighted the Commission’s focus on promoting Nigerian content and encouraging indigenous companies, saying these steps were crucial for broad-based economic development.

“One of the quiet revolutions happening under the NUPRC is the deliberate empowerment of indigenous operators. For the first time in decades, we are seeing more Nigerian companies participating actively in the upstream space, thanks to policies that favour transparency, merit, and homegrown expertise,” she said.

The forum further applauded NUPRC’s introduction of digital platforms that have simplified regulatory compliance, boosted efficiency, and reduced corruption in the oil and gas sector.

“Technology is now being deployed smartly to plug leakages. Licensing, reporting, and monitoring are now largely digital, making it difficult for underhand dealings to thrive. This is part of the transformational thinking that the NUPRC leadership has brought into the regulatory ecosystem.” she added.

Okorafor noted that one of the most critical impacts of the PIA implementation has been the new fiscal regime that now makes Nigeria a more attractive destination for upstream investments compared to the pre-PIA era.

“Before the PIA and the new fiscal frameworks enforced by NUPRC, Nigeria was losing out to other African nations like Angola and Ghana,” she explained.

“Today, our fiscal terms are competitive again, our procedures are predictable, and the regulatory environment is much more investment-friendly.”

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to continue to support independent regulatory institutions like the NUPRC, the forum urged stakeholders across the sector to work hand-in-hand with the Commission to consolidate the gains achieved so far.

“We urge Mr. President to shield institutions like the NUPRC from political interference. Nigeria must build strong institutions, not strong individuals. Komolafe and his team have shown what can happen when professionalism is allowed to lead. We must nurture and protect that.”

She concluded by noting that while challenges remain in the oil and gas industry, Nigeria is “finally on the right path”, thanks to the PIA and the leadership shown by NUPRC.

“No law is perfect. No reform is ever completely painless. But with the NUPRC’s firm handling of the PIA, Nigeria has a chance to write a new chapter in its oil and gas history — one marked by transparency, growth, and shared prosperity.”

The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum pledged to continue monitoring developments in the sector and supporting initiatives that deepen transparency, expand opportunities, and ensure Nigeria’s energy wealth benefits all citizens.

By Toby Prince

In 2021, a new dawn broke in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), a game-changer designed to oversee the nation’s most prized resources. Born out of the need for transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the NUPRC’s mission was to optimize the country’s upstream petroleum operations, ensuring that the riches beneath the Niger Delta’s soil translated to tangible benefits for the Nigerian people.

With Engr. Gbenga Komolafe at the helm as its pioneering Chief Executive, the commission embarked on a journey to transform the industry, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, fostering innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Four years later, that decision to place the nation’s petroleum future in the hands of the NUPRC and Komolafe has proven to be a masterstroke, as the commission continues to shape the industry’s future with bold reforms and strategic vision.

The nation’s oil and gas sector is undergoing a profound transformation. With a keen focus on boosting production and repositioning Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry as a formidable model of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in Africa, Komolafe has been instrumental in driving the commission’s success. His commitment to sanitizing the oil industry, long plagued by allegations of corruption and inefficiency, has earned him recognition as a champion of reform.

Hence one of the most significant milestones in the NUPRC’s journey under Engr. Komolafe’s leadership has been the remarkable turnaround in production volumes, coupled with a drastic reduction in national crude oil theft. For years, the scourge of oil theft had plagued Nigeria’s oil sector, eroding revenues, stifling production, and deterring foreign investment. However, Komolafe’s strategic approach has yielded unprecedented results.

By combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including military operations, technological surveillance, policy reforms, and community engagement, the NUPRC has successfully combated illicit activities in the Niger Delta region. Under Komolafe’s leadership, the NUPRC has institutionalized reforms in hydrocarbon resource management, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fiscal discipline. The commission’s multi-faceted approach has not only curbed oil theft but also restored investor confidence, paving the way for increased production and revenue growth. 

The results were nothing short of phenomenal. Oil theft, once a staggering loss of over 200,000 barrels per day, has been slashed to an all-time low of 5,000 BPD. This dramatic reduction has had a ripple effect, catapulting Nigeria’s crude oil production from a dismal 1.1 million BPD in 2022 to an impressive 1.7 million BPD. This milestone achievement has significant implications for energy security and economic stability. The nation’s rig count has more than tripled, from 13 in 2021 to 40 in 2025.

With crude oil reserves estimated at 37.24 billion barrels (64-year reserve life) and gas reserves at 210.5 TCF (93-year reserve life), Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential is vast. The NUPRC’s revenue generation performance has also been impressive, surpassing its 2024 budgeted revenue target by a staggering 84%. This feat is a direct result of the commission’s reformed policies, stringent auditing mechanisms, and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. The introduction of cutting-edge regulatory frameworks, such as Hydrocarbon Metering Regulations and Automated Cargo Declaration Systems, has institutionalized transparency and bolstered Nigeria’s earnings from its hydrocarbon resources. 

Under Engr. Komolafe’s visionary guidance, the NUPRC has been instrumental in driving Nigeria’s Decades of Gas Initiatives, a strategic move to harness the nation’s vast 210.5 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. This initiative aims to leverage gas as a transition fuel towards a cleaner energy future. Key components of this initiative include the National Gas Policy, a comprehensive blueprint for gas development, infrastructure, and market liberalization; the National Gas Expansion Programme, promoting domestic gas consumption through CNG and LPG adoption; and Gas Flare Commercialization.

The NUPRC’s transformative strides have garnered global recognition. Engr. Komolafe’s nomination for Personality of the Year and the NUPRC’s nomination for Africa Energy Sector Regulator of the Year at the Africa Energy Summit underscore the commission’s impact. Multiple accolades, including the SERVICOM Best Performing Parastatal Award and the ThisDay/Arise Group CEO of the Year Award, demonstrate Komolafe’s leadership and commitment to regulatory excellence.

These recognitions validate Komolafe’s pledge to establish the NUPRC as “Africa’s foremost 21st-century regulator.” Today, the NUPRC serves as a benchmark for integrity, innovation, and regulatory efficiency, proudly actualizing Komolafe’s promise. The commission’s success is a testament to its leadership and dedication to redefining Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Engr. Komolafe’s achievements at the NUPRC have resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders, showcasing his leadership as a beacon of strategic vision for the nation’s energy transition. By embracing the global shift towards decarbonization, he has championed reforms that not only maximize wealth from Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources but also harmonize it with sustainable energy development. 

Through his strategic interventions, the Nigerian oil and gas sector has experienced unprecedented growth, stability, and global recognition. Engr. Komolafe’s impact extends beyond regulation; he is a reformer who has redefined the industry’s landscape. His unique blend of competence, integrity, and patriotism has made him an indispensable asset to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, inspiring hope in Nigerians at home and abroad. He embodies the possibilities that emerge when exceptional leadership converges with a clear vision for a better future.

As the architect of NUPRC’s renaissance, Engr. Komolafe has single-handedly rewritten the narrative of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. His forward-thinking approach has unlocked new revenue streams, fostered a culture of transparency, and catapulted the nation onto the global energy map. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, he has transformed the NUPRC into a model of regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.

The impact of Engr. Komolafe’s leadership will be felt for generations to come, as his legacy promises to outlast his tenure. His vision for a modern, sustainable, and efficient oil and gas industry has set a new standard for regulatory bodies in Africa. As Nigeria’s energy sector continues to evolve, the foundation laid by Engr. Komolafe will remain a cornerstone of the nation’s progress, a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.

*Prince, a media consultant writes from Abuja