Group wants probe of repair works at P/Harcourt Refinery

The National Transparency Network, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and patriotic citizens, has called for a probe into the repair works at the Port Harcourt refinery.  Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group called for a Special Commission of Inquiry to probe the $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, which […]

The National Transparency Network, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and patriotic citizens, has called for a probe into the repair works at the Port Harcourt refinery. 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group called for a Special Commission of Inquiry to probe the $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, which has yet to deliver refined products.

The CSOs expressed outrage over the expenditure of $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2, an amount equivalent to the annual budgets of several African countries.

They questioned the initial plan to rehabilitate two refineries, which was abandoned without justification, and demanded answers on where the funds disappeared to.

The group led by its National Coordinator. Dr Fabian Opialu demanded a comprehensive audit and prosecution, including a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions over the past five years, publication of those involved in the alleged misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors, a detailed report on how $1.5 billion was spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, interrogation and possible prosecution of Mele Kyari, dismissed board members, and other NNPCL executives found culpable, and a legislative oversight hearing to ensure transparency requirements for the newly appointed NNPCL board.

The National Transparency Network expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending his commitment to reforming Nigeria.

However, they emphasized that reform without accountability is merely cosmetic and urged the President to act swiftly to address the situation.

The CSOs believe that a proper investigation, followed by judicial action, will send a strong message that Nigeria is ready to conduct business within the parameters of accountability.

The statement added: “Firstly, we must draw attention to the previously mentioned staggering sum of $1.5 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. Nigerians were led to believe that these funds, allocated by the Buhari-led administration in 2021, were intended for a comprehensive overhaul.

“However, to the shock and dismay of the public, not only were these funds entirely expended on just one refinery, but the said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet even the most basic industrial standards expected of such an investment.

“Such fiscal mismanagement should have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving all national and international parties implicated in this debacle.”