The federal government is facing widespread criticism after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) admitted that the country’s major refineries might never become operational again—despite billions of dollars spent on repairs over the years.
NNPCL’s new Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, recently revealed that after several failed attempts to revive the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, the company is now weighing the option of selling them. He said outdated infrastructure and years of neglect have made the rehabilitation efforts largely ineffective.
His statement follows a similar one by business mogul Aliko Dangote, who said he seriously doubts the refineries will ever work again. Dangote noted that about $18 billion has been spent on reviving the facilities without any positive outcome. He likened the situation to trying to upgrade a 40-year-old car with modern parts—completely impractical.
These revelations have sparked outrage among opposition leaders and civil society groups, who accused both the current and former administrations of misleading Nigerians. They are calling for a full-scale criminal investigation into the spending on the refineries and demanding that those responsible for mismanaging public funds be held accountable.
Yunusa Tanko, a leader in the Obidient Movement, said the government had misled the public with repeated false claims about the refineries’ readiness. Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties echoed this, insisting that before any sale is considered, the government must investigate the corruption behind the failed rehabilitation projects.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had warned years ago that the refineries were beyond saving, also appears to have been proven right. He previously tried to sell them, but the decision was reversed by former President Yar’Adua’s administration.
Lawmakers like House Committee Chairman Henry Okojie have pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly, stressing that the refineries belong to the Nigerian people and any decision about them must be made in their interest.
Former Senator Shehu Sani also reacted, saying although selling the refineries isn’t ideal, it might be the only reasonable option left to stop the financial bleeding. He, however, warned that the process must be carefully handled to avoid the failures seen in the privatised electricity sector.
Experts like Prof. Pat Utomi and Dr. Olu Agunloye added that the refineries should have been sold off long ago. They commended Ojulari for speaking honestly about the situation and urged the government to take immediate and transparent action.
Despite claims that the Port Harcourt refinery had resumed operations last year, the latest update from the NNPCL confirms that none of the refineries are currently working.
