Reps to Probe $18bn Spent on Nigeria’s Non-Functional Refineries

The House of Representatives has launched a comprehensive investigation into the $18 billion reportedly spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s moribund state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna over the last two decades.

This followed a motion moved on Thursday by Hon. Oluwaseun Whinghan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Whinghan expressed concern that despite successive administrations allocating billions of dollars for turnaround maintenance, the refineries remain non-operational, leaving the nation dependent on imported petroleum products.

He noted that recent public statements by industrialist Aliko Dangote and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had cast serious doubt on the viability of the refineries, describing the investments as “futile” and raising questions over fiscal transparency and asset management.

“The House is worried that despite over two decades of rehabilitation efforts, there is no verifiable evidence of any substantial progress,” Whinghan said, calling for a “comprehensive, transparent, and time-bound investigation” into the management of funds allocated for the projects.

The lawmaker added that the continued dysfunction of the refineries undermines Nigeria’s economic stability, especially after the removal of the petrol subsidy, which has deepened hardship for citizens.

Following debate, the House mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Midstream), Gas Resources, and Public Assets to probe the funds appropriated and disbursed for the refineries’ rehabilitation between 2010 and 2024.

The committees are expected to ascertain the true status of the facilities, identify cases of mismanagement, and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.

The investigation comes amid growing public anger over alleged misappropriation of funds and calls for accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.