NNPC's Non-Cooperation Delays $18bn Refinery Probe

The House of Representatives' investigation into the alleged $18 billion spent on rehabilitating Nigeria's four state-owned refineries is facing delays attributed to the non-cooperation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), as stated by Ikenga Ugochinyere, the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). The committee was mandated to investigate the funds allocated for the rehabilitation of refineries located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

Despite significant budgetary allocations over the years, the refineries remain largely non-functional, raising concerns about the effective turnaround maintenance. Ugochinyere highlighted the lack of verified evidence of substantial rehabilitation outcomes, suggesting potential misuse of public funds.

The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report, but the investigation has yet to conclude. The situation has intensified calls for accountability, especially as Nigeria continues to rely heavily on fuel imports despite being a major crude oil producer.