In June, a group under the banner Coalition of Nigerian Patriots for Good Governance announced a planned protest over the alleged N5.7 billion fraudulent consultancy contract and lavish executive retreats by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) amid worsening economic hardship in the country.
The group, in an open letter signed by Musa Abdullahi, described the alleged corruption as “a loot in broad daylight” and called for the immediate sacking of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari.
Announcing its planned nationwide advocacy protest slated for July 1–2, 2025, in demand for accountability from the highest levels of government, the group called on the EFCC to investigate the alleged fraud.
“At a time when over 200 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, when inflation has soared, and when the government pleads for patience as painful reforms unfold, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), under the new leadership of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has engaged in reckless, unconscionable spending of public resources,” the group stated.
At the heart of the uproar is a N5.7 billion consultancy contract allegedly awarded by NNPCL to a relatively unknown firm, HASKE, without public tender, competitive bidding, or compliance with procurement regulations.
The coalition claimed that the deal was orchestrated in secrecy, bypassing oversight mechanisms and raising serious questions about political patronage.
“HASKE has long been associated with opaque deals, political patronage, and backchannel contracts,” the group alleged.
“The company has no verifiable record of delivering high-level consultancy services, nor does it possess the industry reputation or technical competence required for such a contract.”
The group questioned, “So, why was this firm handpicked?”
According to the group, “This is not just a violation of public procurement laws, it is a calculated looting of Nigeria’s oil wealth.”
The group further argued that the funds could have been better used to address pressing national issues, such as healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, and youth employment.
The group stressed, “N5.7 billion, nearly $4 million at today’s rates, was signed away behind closed doors while hospitals go without equipment, schools lack basic infrastructure, and millions cannot afford a single meal a day.
“What could N5.7 billion do instead: build or equip 570 primary healthcare centres across rural Nigeria? Fund scholarships for over 50,000 indigent Nigerian students.
“Construct 114 kilometres of rural roads to support agriculture and commerce. Provide capital to over 10,000 young entrepreneurs to reduce unemployment.
“Yet this same sum was funneled into a phantom consultancy deal, benefiting no one but the insiders and cronies.”
In addition to the alleged contract fraud, the group accused Ojulari of organising a wasteful management retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, using five chartered private jets.
Earlier in June, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the NNPC board was preparing to jet off to Kigali, Rwanda, for a luxury retreat.
The development came days after the Nigerian Senate raised serious questions over the company’s audited financial accounts.
SaharaReporters learned that at least five private jets had been arranged to fly members of the NNPC board and top management to the Rwandan capital. The trip, sources revealed, was being coordinated by Bashir Haske.
The board, led by Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida, and under the management of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Bayo Ojulari, had booked the entire Kigali Marriott Hotel, an upscale resort nestled in the Rwandan hills, for the retreat.
