SERAP Demands NNPC Transparency: Disclose Nigeria’s Daily Oil Stats Since May 2023

In a bid to enhance transparency and public accountability, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has directed its attention to Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. In a letter dated December 9, 2023, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization calls on Kyari to promptly publish comprehensive details regarding Nigeria’s daily oil production and exports, as well as the total revenues generated since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023.

The advocacy group goes further to insist on disclosure of the proportion of oil revenues that have been remitted to the public treasury post-subsidy removal. Furthermore, SERAP demands clarity on the alleged payment of N11 trillion as subsidy, and seeks an explanation regarding accusations that NNPC has failed to remit oil-generated revenues to the public treasury.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had recently raised concerns, asserting that “NNPC is failing to remit enough foreign exchange into the treasury despite the removal of fuel subsidy” and questioning the whereabouts of the funds.

SERAP emphasizes the legitimate public interest in obtaining this information, citing potential negative impacts on the fundamental interests of citizens and public trust if such details remain undisclosed. The organization underscores that transparency is crucial to prevent diversion of funds into private hands, fostering public confidence that the money will be used to benefit Nigerians.

The letter to Kyari reads, in part: “Opacity in the amounts of barrels of oil the country produces and exports daily, the revenues generated and remitted to the public treasury would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”

Expressing concerns about corruption allegations and mismanagement in the oil sector, SERAP emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in NNPC operations. The organization contends that transparency would not only build trust but also enhance the enjoyment of Nigerians’ right to natural wealth and resources.

SERAP argues that combating corruption in the oil sector would contribute to poverty alleviation, improve access to basic public goods and services, and empower the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations. The organization expresses dismay over the apparent lack of benefits derived by ordinary Nigerians from the country’s substantial oil wealth, attributing this to widespread corruption and impunity.

In the letter, SERAP issues a seven-day ultimatum for the requested information to be disclosed. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would lead to SERAP considering appropriate legal actions to compel NNPC to adhere to the transparency requests in the public interest.

The organization contends that access to information is a fundamental right and cites the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as legal foundations for its requests. According to SERAP, these legal frameworks impose transparency obligations on NNPC to disclose details related to daily oil production, exportation, and revenues generated.

The NNPC is reminded of its legal responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in its operations, ensuring that oil revenues are duly remitted to the public treasury. SERAP concludes by reiterating the NNPC’s obligation to disclose details of the alleged N11 trillion subsidy payment.