Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), organized under the APC Youth Solidarity Network, have raised alarm over the continued inoperability of the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite a staggering investment of $2 billion aimed at its rehabilitation. At a press conference held on Monday, the group’s president, Olayemi Isaac, did not hold back in his criticism of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its leadership under Mele Kyari.
Isaac alleged that the persistent failure to bring the refinery back to operational status was not merely an oversight but part of a more insidious agenda. He suggested that certain individuals were intentionally stalling repairs to maintain fuel subsidies, import blended fuel, and ultimately siphon taxpayer money. “This is not just a failure in leadership; it is a deliberate sabotage of the Nigerian economy and the welfare of its citizens,” he declared, his frustration palpable.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, along with others located in Kaduna and Warri, has been non-functional for years, even as billions of naira have been funneled into maintenance efforts. “Despite multiple attempts, multiple rounds of funding, and numerous promises from officials, the Port Harcourt Refineries remain non-operational,” Isaac stated, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in the management of these critical national assets.
The APC Youth Solidarity Network is demanding an immediate investigation into the use of the alleged $2 billion allocated for the refinery’s rehabilitation. Isaac pointed out that the repeated announcements of impending repairs have consistently resulted in disappointment, with the refinery remaining dormant. “Every time we are told that the refineries will be repaired and functional, they fail to come to life,” he lamented.
The group’s call for accountability extends to the leadership of the NNPCL itself. They have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to restructure the NNPCL to ensure it operates transparently and remains accountable to the Nigerian people. The youth group believes that without consequences for corruption, the cycle of failure will continue unabated, ultimately harming the nation’s economy and its citizens.
“Transparency is key,” Isaac insisted, advocating for a system that discourages mismanagement and corruption in the oil sector. The group believes that by holding individuals accountable for their actions, the government can put an end to the cycle of neglect and mismanagement that has plagued Nigeria’s refineries for far too long.
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As the situation continues to unfold, the APC Youth Solidarity Network’s outcry reflects a broader frustration shared by many Nigerians who have long awaited the operational revitalization of the nation’s refineries. The ongoing issue not only raises questions about governance and accountability but also underscores the urgent need for reforms in a sector critical to Nigeria’s economy.
