Abuja: Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has alleged that a staggering ₦210 trillion was criminally diverted within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), citing an audit report recently submitted to the Senate.
Speaking at a public gathering, Falana insisted that the funds must be recovered and paid into the Federation Account to tackle Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges. “Let nobody deceive us that there is no money to abolish poverty in our country,” he declared.
According to Falana, the Senate received an official audit report indicating the diversion of ₦210 trillion. He warned against attempts to bury the findings. “That report must not be swept under the carpet,” he insisted, stressing that the figures were drawn from credible sources.
He further disclosed that ₦17.1 trillion had been spent on fuel subsidy and pipeline maintenance, questioning the sustainability of such expenditures amid widespread poverty.
Falana’s demand adds to growing calls for transparency in Nigeria’s oil sector, which has long been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and corruption. He argued that recovering diverted funds could provide immediate relief for citizens struggling under inflation and subsidy removal.
In a related development, retired Major General Danjuma Ali‑Keffi accused the government of failing to prosecute 400 individuals arrested for allegedly financing terrorism. Despite extensive investigations, Ali‑Keffi claimed many suspects were shielded from justice, undermining Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts.
The twin allegations—massive financial diversion in NNPCL and failure to prosecute terror financiers—underscore mounting concerns about governance, accountability, and national security.
As Nigeria heads into 2026, activists warn that without decisive action, corruption and insecurity will continue to erode public trust.
