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| Port Harcourt Refinery Project Audit Call |
A coalition of civil society groups has urged Nigeria’s anti‑graft agencies to probe the $1.5 billion spent on Port Harcourt Refinery under ex‑NNPCL chief Mele Kyari . They spoke at a press briefing in Abuja, led by Michael Omoba of the Situation Room on Transparency and Accountability. Omoba said funds meant to rehab two refineries in 2021 were used only on Port Harcourt Refinery . They want the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to open formal inquiries. Omoba noted that Nigerians still queue for fuel despite the hefty outlay. He said the project was billed as a full overhaul but only partial work was done at Eleme, Rivers State . The project first kicked off in March 2021 with $1.5 billion approved by the Federal Executive Council . Italian firm Tecnimont SPA led the rehab, promised to boost capacity to 90 percent in two years. Mallam Mele Kyari, then NNPC GCEO, joined the technical kickoff meeting in 2021 . On November 26, 2024, Kyari formally inaugurated a 60,000 barrel‑per‑day plant at the refinery, calling it a landmark in local refining . The event drew cheers but no steady output followed. By December, the refinery had resumed only partial operations, blending crude instead of full refining . In August 2024, the Senate probed the same $1.5 billion spend, citing little result from the rehab . Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said it looked like economic sabotage. He noted that funds meant for Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries yielded no lasting impact. Only Port Harcourt restarted at 60,000 barrels instead of its full 150,000 barrel capacity . Civil society bodies say the Senate probe failed to yield public findings. They now push for fresh action by anti‑graft agencies. They demand asset tracing, contract reviews, and interviews with key players. They want clarity on how the funds moved through NNPC’s ledgers. Beyond money, they flag weak oversight. Omoba said project updates were scanty. Progress reports stopped after 2022. Contractors billed extra charges for parts and labour. No public audit followed after the hand‑over. Community leaders in Eleme warn of environmental risks. They note oil leaks, gas flares, and solvent waste around the plant. They say no remediation work happened after rehab. They fear the plant is unsafe and under‑maintained. Energy experts say the refinery can only run reliably if it hits at least 80 percent capacity. They note that a full revamp would cost another $500 million. They question why funds ran out despite a clear scope in 2021. NNPCL spokespeople have not directly answered these claims. A public affairs manager only said “the refinery is on track” without details. They pointed to recent loads of PMS, HHK, and AGO sent to markets . But they did not say how much crude stays on‑site or how much utility users pay. In late 2024, the National Civil Society Coalition of Nigeria (NCSCN) planned an assessment visit in January 2025. They formed a 50‑member team to inspect the site, study records, and engage management . They hope to publish findings globally to pressure for accountability. Local youths under CONDYAPIED said they may storm Abuja if no answers come. They demand Kyari’s resignation and full asset checks. They argue the project was sold as a cure for fuel scarcity but failed to ease prices . Meanwhile, energy advocates warned the plant may be a mere blending hub. They say crude from Russia and elsewhere could meet minimal turnover ratios but not true refining . A mix‑and‑sell model, they say, sidelines real value addition. Amid this, Dangote’s private refinery in Lagos claims full refining at 650,000 barrels per day. That plant now meets much of Nigeria’s petrol demand. Observers say Dangote’s success highlights state refinery woes. Analysts fear continued neglect of public refineries will deepen import dependence. They note that Nigeria spends over $3 billion yearly on fuel imports. That drains foreign reserves and inflates pump prices. Civil society bodies want swift probe results published. They urge the EFCC, ICPC, and audit agencies to work jointly. They say key suspects must face prosecution if any mis‑use is found. They also call on President Tinubu to launch a broader energy sector audit. They want to map all funds spent on refineries since 2007. That includes $2.9 billion on Kaduna and Warri, plus the $1.5 billion here . As pressure mounts, NNPC may face fresh lawsuits or parliamentary summons. Advocacy groups vow daily protests until a solid report emerges. With fuel queues and price spikes, public anger is high. Many see the Port Harcourt case as a sign of wider sector failure. They say Nigeria’s oil wealth must serve the people, not a few. The coming weeks will test if anti‑graft agencies act or stall. Civil society will track every step. They warn: “We won’t relent until truth and justice prevail.” |