| dc.description.abstract | Despite receiving over $18 billion in rehabilitation funds, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna remain non-operational as of July 2025. Recent statements from Alhaji Aliko Dangote and newly appointed NNPC Limited GCEO, Bayo Ojulari, confirmed that these refineries may never function effectively again. This contradicts prior government claims and reveals extensive fiscal mismanagement. The situation reveals systemic corruption, poor oversight, and institutional failures, with implications for Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security. The prospect of selling these refineries without accountability or due diligence raises fears of repeating past errors seen in the electricity sector’s privatisation. To address this national crisis, the National Assembly may wish to consider the following:
● Mandate a forensic audit by the Auditor-General and anti-corruption agencies of all refinery rehabilitation funds since 1999, with a public report due within 90 days;
● Compel public disclosure by NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum on all refinery contracts, funding flows, and project milestones;
● Establish a bipartisan investigative committee with subpoena powers to question current and former NNPC officials, contractors, and relevant stakeholders;
● Review any proposed privatisation or concession plans with input from the Bureau of Public Enterprises and NSIA to safeguard national interests;
● Amend privatisation laws to include strict performance benchmarks, anti-corruption provisions, and transparency guarantees;
Pass a moratorium on further public funding for refineries until investigations are concluded and clear reform strategies are adopted.
These measures may be essential to recover public funds, enforce accountability, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure governance. | en_US |
