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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Vanguard for Change and the Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria have issued a stern rebuke to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for its repeated failures in restoring the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
Despite the $1.5 billion allocated for the Port Harcourt refinery in 2021 and an additional $1.4 billion for the Warri and Kaduna refineries, the facilities remain non-functional, perpetuating Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
At a press conference on Friday, October 25, Dr Opialu Fabian, a leading voice in the advocacy groups, raised concerns about NNPCL’s commitment to refinery rehabilitation.
“These failures place Africa’s largest oil producer in the ironic position of depending entirely on imported petroleum products,” Fabian stated, highlighting the toll on Nigeria’s economy, fuel prices, and foreign reserves.
Fabian accused certain NNPCL entities of intentionally delaying refinery progress to sustain the profitable fuel importation business.
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He also condemned the continuous importation of adulterated fuel, which he argued has worsened inflation, weakened the naira, and subjected Nigerians to endless queues at petrol stations.
“We are no longer willing to stand by as the nation’s potential is squandered by unaccountable leaders,” Fabian declared.
He demanded a complete overhaul of NNPCL’s leadership and transparency regarding the funds allocated to the refineries.
The groups urged the government to demand an account of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries' rehabilitation progress, calling for transparency on contracts, funds usage, and realistic timelines for production.