The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed outrage, anger, and deep national embarrassment over the staggering failure of Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions and political leadership to act decisively on the monumental waste and alleged corruption surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
In a stement made available to VDCInsights signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA Emmanuel Onwubiko said “It is a massive national shame that despite over $2.4 billion reportedly sunk into the so-called Turnaround Maintenance of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, there is little to no tangible result to justify such colossal expenditure. Yet, those responsible walk free, uninvestigated, and unprosecuted.”
HURIWA unequivocally condemns what it describes as the disgraceful inertia of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), which have failed woefully in their statutory duties to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those indicted in this apparent economic sabotage.
“Why are the officials responsible for this monumental waste not in jail?”
“What exactly are the EFCC and ICPC waiting for? Must Nigerians continue to tolerate impunity of this scale?” HURIWA demands.
The group further accused “the National Assembly of Nigeria of turning what should be a serious probe into a political charade designed to generate campaign slush funds rather than deliver justice.”
The group queried “Otherwise, how do we explain the endless hearings without consequences? Why has no single high-profile conviction emerged from these investigations?” .
HURIWA did not spare the Presidency, holding Bola Ahmed Tinubu accountable for what it described as a “deafening silence and unacceptable inaction” in the face of what it called one of the most brazen financial scandals in Nigeria’s recent history.
The statement added“This administration cannot continue to look the other way while public wealth is looted in broad daylight. The President must act—decisively and immediately—or risk being seen as complicit,” .
The association warned that history would deliver a harsh verdict on all institutions and individuals who have failed to act.
HURIWA declared “Posterity will judge this National Assembly harshly for what appears to be a dangerous connivance with corrupt elements within the NNPC to drain public resources meant for national development,”
HURIWA further described the latest move by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to enter yet another agreement with foreign partners as “a suspicious recycling of failed strategies,” insisting that without accountability, no reform can succeed.
The group, however, commended prominent industrialist Aliko Dangote for what it described as his courage in consistently speaking out against systemic corruption in the oil sector.
HURIWA noted “At a time when many have chosen silence, Dangote has shown uncommon patriotism by drawing national attention to the rot in the system. His voice reflects the frustration of millions of Nigerians,” .
HURIWA therefore demands:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials linked to the failed refinery rehabilitation projects;
A transparent forensic audit of all funds spent on refinery maintenance;
Public disclosure of all contracts, contractors, and payment structures;
Immediate overhaul of anti-corruption agencies for failure to act;
An end to what it termed “legislative theatrics” in place of real accountability.
the statement concluded “Nigeria cannot continue like this. This culture of impunity must end. The looting of public wealth must stop. The time for action is now” .
