A media think-tank aligned with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has refuted opposition allegations that the federal government is preparing to sell off the country’s underperforming refineries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) condemned recent comments by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which it accused of twisting statements made by NNPCL Group CEO Bashir Ojulari during a recent international energy conference.
According to TMSG, Ojulari’s remarks—delivered at the Ninth OPEC International Seminar in Vienna—were misrepresented. “The GCEO merely said the company is reviewing its refinery rehabilitation strategy and that all options, including a sale, are being considered. There was no confirmation or finality about selling the assets,” the group noted.
The group expressed concern that such narratives could mislead Nigerians and cast unwarranted doubt on the current administration’s energy sector policies.
TMSG also dismissed claims that the Tinubu government had spent $2.8 billion on the refineries only to declare them moribund. It pointed out that the funding approvals for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were made in 2021, under the previous administration.
“Moreover, the EFCC is already probing how those funds were utilised by the former NNPCL management,” it added.
Calling for constructive opposition, the group said those who have held public office must uphold a higher standard of honesty in their critiques.
“We welcome scrutiny, but facts must not be distorted for political convenience,” the statement read. “The public deserves clarity, not confusion.”
The Tinubu administration has faced growing scrutiny over the status of Nigeria’s refineries, many of which have operated below capacity for decades despite repeated promises of reform.
