A coalition of 145 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has joined human rights lawyer Chief Femi Falana (SAN) in raising concerns over the $2.9 billion reportedly allocated for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s three local refineries, Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt.
The coalition has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, to address the pressing questions surrounding the utilization of the funds. They are demanding detailed explanations on why the Warri and Kaduna refineries remain comatose despite the substantial allocation, and why the Port Harcourt refinery operates far below its installed capacity.
In a joint statement issued by their spokesperson, Otunba Olaosebikan Aremu, the coalition accused the NNPCL leadership of maintaining an unacceptable silence regarding the allegations of mismanagement of funds.
Concerns Over Rehabilitation Efforts
“It has been over a week since Chief Femi Falana raised these critical questions, yet there has been no official response from Mele Kyari or any representative of the NNPCL,” the coalition’s statement read. “The $2.9 billion rehabilitation project was intended to restore these refineries to their original capacities. Why then are the Warri and Kaduna refineries still not operational?”
Addressing the partial reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery, the CSOs criticized its limited functionality. The refinery, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day (bpd), is reportedly operating at just 60,000 bpd, with only the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) active. Stakeholders from the host community have described the refinery as a “blending plant,” emphasizing its inability to produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, due to the inactivity of secondary processing units.
“Why has the NNPCL failed to provide a timeline for the activation of the secondary segment of the Port Harcourt refinery? Nigerians deserve to know,” the coalition added.
Falana’s Call for Transparency
Speaking at the commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Tower in Lagos, Chief Femi Falana voiced his frustration over the lack of clarity from the NNPCL. He challenged oil sector unions, including NUPENG and PENGASSAN, to disclose the true state of the refineries.
“Only 60,000 barrels per day are currently being processed at the Port Harcourt refinery. What happened to the remaining 90,000 barrels per day? And why are the Warri and Kaduna refineries still idle despite the funds allocated for their rehabilitation?” Falana questioned.
The legal luminary also alleged possible diversion of funds, saying, “The NNPCL has not explained why the $2.9 billion earmarked for the refineries has failed to deliver results. This is public money, and Nigerians deserve answers.”
Looming Civil Protests
In their statement, the CSOs warned that they would not hesitate to mobilize protests across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna if the NNPCL fails to provide satisfactory responses to their demands.
“As public officers, Kyari and his team owe Nigerians accountability. They must clarify whether the $2.9 billion allocated is accurate and how it was spent. The silence is disrespectful not only to Nigerians but also to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration is committed to transparency,” the coalition said.
The groups emphasized that the rehabilitation of the refineries is a matter of national importance, affecting energy security, job creation, and economic stability. They urged the NNPCL to act swiftly to restore public confidence and ensure the success of the government’s broader economic agenda.
“Nigerians cannot continue to endure silence on issues that directly impact their lives. Accountability must be prioritized to prevent further discredit to the government’s efforts,” the coalition concluded.
