Atiku Calls for Suspension of NNPC Refinery Deal

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has called for the immediate suspension of a refinery rehabilitation deal involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and two Chinese firms, Sanjiang Chemical and Xingcheng Fuzhou Industrial Park. He expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and technical credibility of the firms involved, noting that neither has a proven track record in managing complex crude oil refineries.

Abubakar criticized the Tinubu administration for allegedly attempting to mortgage national assets through opaque arrangements, which he described as a dangerous gamble for Nigeria's economic future. He highlighted that the deal follows a history of failed refinery rehabilitation efforts that have cost the nation $2.5 billion.

Abubakar further questioned why the federal government bypassed established global refinery engineering firms in favor of these companies, which he claims lack the necessary expertise. He demanded full disclosure of the terms of the memorandum of understanding and urged for open competition in engaging reputable firms for refinery operations.