The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) and the APC Youth Vanguard for Change (APCYVC) have formally called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the ongoing failures of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in restoring the Port Harcourt and other local refineries.
The organizations expressed deep concern over the $2.9 billion allocated in 2021 for the rehabilitation of these refineries, which remain inactive despite repeated assurances from NNPCL.
In a letter addressed to the President, they outlined the alarming state of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, attributing its deterioration to the persistent shortcomings of NNPCL and its leadership, particularly Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari.
ERA Convener Opialu Fabian and APCYVC Convener Ezewanka Ugochukwu, who co-signed the letter, emphasized that these failures have led to economic sabotage, health hazards, and significant environmental risks due to the importation of substandard fuel.
They criticized NNPCL’s ongoing inaction and unfulfilled commitments, highlighting systemic failures and corruption within its leadership.
The letter raised serious questions about the utilization of funds designated for refinery rehabilitation, suggesting a troubling lack of accountability. Despite billions spent on maintenance over the past 25 years, fuel production remains negligible.
The coalition has voiced grave concerns about Mele Kyari’s leadership, urging President Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into his administration’s handling of the situation.
Among their demands, they called for an inquiry to uncover the truth behind the ongoing failures and alleged financial misconduct associated with the refinery projects.
The groups proposed urgent reforms, including overhauling the regulatory framework, reactivating local refineries, ensuring transparency in subsidy implementation, strengthening the leadership of NNPCL, and enhancing public access to information.
The letter reads: “Your Excellency, we are confronted with a critical situation. Despite the $2.9 billion approved in 2021 for the rehabilitation of these vital refineries, they remain dormant. NNPCL has consistently assured Nigerians that these facilities would soon be operational, yet these promises have not materialized.
“The refineries lie idle while Nigeria, as Africa’s largest oil producer, is forced to rely on foreign countries for fuel. The ongoing importation of substandard fuel not only betrays public trust but underscores a systemic failure within NNPCL’s leadership.
“The influx of adulterated fuel jeopardizes the health, safety, and economic stability of Nigerians. This low-quality fuel damages vehicles and agricultural machinery, while citizens are compelled to pay inflated prices, exacerbating inflation and daily hardships.
“It is unacceptable that Nigeria, a top oil-producing nation, must depend on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demands. This reliance strains our foreign reserves, while a corrupt few profit disproportionately, actively resisting efforts to rehabilitate our refineries.
“At the core of this issue lies the NNPCL leadership, which appears either unable or unwilling to fulfill its responsibilities. Mr. Mele Kyari must be held accountable for these failures.
“The importation of substandard fuel poses serious risks to the health of citizens and the environment. Vehicles, agricultural equipment, and generators are all at risk of severe damage from this inferior fuel.
“It is time for systemic reform. The challenges we face are complex, rooted in institutional corruption, regulatory shortcomings, and a pervasive culture of impunity. We propose immediate actions, including:
– Comprehensive investigation and accountability
– Revamping the regulatory framework
– Reactivating local refineries
– Ensuring transparency in subsidy implementation
– Strengthening NNPCL’s leadership and oversight
– Empowering the public with information and action.
“Mr. President, as Nigeria seeks to chart a course toward sustainable economic growth, self-sufficiency, and a better future for its citizens, energy security must be prioritized. The current actions and inactions of NNPCL and its leadership are undermining our national interests. We implore Your Excellency to take swift and decisive action to address these longstanding failures.”
